NEW DELHI: A French Euro-deputy has called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, stating that the United States no longer embodies the principles that prompted France’s original gift.
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty”, declared centre-left politician Raphael Glucksmann during his Place Publique movement’s convention.
“We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty,'” he announced to enthusiastic supporters.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” he continued.
The iconic monument was inaugurated in New York City’s harbour on October 28, 1886, commemorating the American Declaration of Independence’s centennial. French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi created this gift from the French people to America.
A smaller replica of the statue currently stands on an isle in the Seine River in Paris.
Glucksmann, who actively supports Ukraine, has expressed strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s significant policy shifts regarding the conflict.
He addressed Trump’s reduction in US research funding, which has prompted France’s government to create initiatives attracting affected researchers.
“The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is: ‘if you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them,'” Glucksmann stated.
Following Trump’s return to the White House in January, his administration has reduced federal research funding and attempted to remove numerous federal employees working in health and climate research.
Glucksmann criticised French far-right leaders, describing them as a “fan club” for Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the president’s cost-reduction initiatives.
