Russian MFA: Macron's regime steering France towards anti-Christianity

Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova has criticised the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, claiming it reflects French President Emmanuel Macron's apparent departure from French history and tradition.

She contended that Macron's actions are transforming France into an anti-Christian nation, Caliber.Az reports.

Zakharova recalled that historically, France maintained a close relationship with the Vatican, and its kings were even bestowed with the title "Sa Majesté Très Chrétienne," meaning "His Most Christian Majesty".

The spokesperson emphasised that even French secular leader Charles de Gaulle valued faith greatly.

“France was once the most Christian of nations, but under President Macron’s regime, it has become increasingly atheistic,” she remarked.

She further criticised the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games opening ceremony, describing it as a manifestation of France's ongoing departure from its Christian heritage.

“The public outrage and perceived desecration of Christianity during the opening ceremony are a continuation of France’s self-undermining trend. Once known as the ‘most Christian of nations,’ France has shifted from an arch-Christian country to an anti-Christian one under Macron’s leadership,” Zakharova wrote on Telegram, following the removal of the most notable moments from the opening ceremony from the International Olympic Committee’s official YouTube page.

Spokesperson for Paris 2024 Anne Descamps has stated that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) referenced a study indicating that 86 per cent of French citizens deemed the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games a success, despite the criticism on social media.

However, Descamps did not disclose details about the survey’s methodology or the number of participants involved.

According to the IOC, 91 per cent of respondents approved of judoka Teddy Riner and athlete Marie-José Pérec serving as torchbearers in the final stage of the opening ceremony. Additionally, 71 per cent of French citizens expressed optimism about the overall success of the Games' organisation.

The official opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games was held on July 26, and the Games will run through August 11.

The initial medal events were held on July 27. The Closing Ceremonies will be held after the final events August 11.

Breaking, the competitive form of break dancing, is the only new sport that has been added by Paris organisers. There are two breaking events, one each for men and women, with 16 dancers in each event.

Four of the sports added to the Tokyo Olympics — skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing and 3x3 basketball — were received enthusiastically and return this year.