Rumor – A video caught Emmanuel Macron hiding a package of cocaine during a train trip to Ukraine.
Analysis
In recent days, a video showing French President Emmanuel Macron on a train to Ukraine, alongside German leader Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, began circulating on social media.
The seemingly ordinary footage was turned into a conspiracy theory by users who suggested Macron was hiding cocaine when journalists approached. The claims spread quickly, with forced interpretations of Macron and Merz’s movements.
While Macron quickly grabbed a white object from the table, Merz held something resembling a straw. This sequence fueled speculation that the two were handling drugs. Here’s one of the posts spreading online:
MACRON CAUGHT WITH COCAINE? A viral video of French President Emmanuel Macron on a train to Ukraine sparked wild cocaine rumors online — but French media are calling it nonsense.
In the video, Macron quickly grabs a white object from the table as reporters enter, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appears to be holding something resembling a straw.
Social media exploded with speculation, claiming the two had drug paraphernalia. But the French outlet Libération strongly refuted the claims, calling them baseless conspiracy theories. They say Macron was simply picking up a tissue — and Merz was holding a coffee stirrer.
Fact-check
The video gained traction among conspiracy influencers, but the press quickly clarified the facts. The video raised questions about three main points: 1) Was Emmanuel Macron caught with cocaine on a train to Ukraine? 2) What was he holding when the cameras got closer? 3) Was Friedrich Merz really holding a drug straw?
Was Emmanuel Macron caught with cocaine on a train to Ukraine?
No. The claim that Macron had cocaine during the train trip to Ukraine is baseless and has been debunked by media outlets. The French newspaper Libération published a detailed fact-check stating there is no evidence of illegal substance use or possession in the video.
What was Emmanuel Macron holding in the viral video?
According to Libération’s analysis, the white object Macron quickly picks up from the table was actually a tissue. The video clearly shows the gesture and, although brief, there’s no indication he was hiding anything illegal.
The movement was misinterpreted online, but visual elements support the French media’s version. The original image published by Getty Images also helps present the full, unaltered scene.
Was Friedrich Merz holding a drug straw?
Also no. Another point raised by the rumors was the object Friedrich Merz was holding. Some users claimed it was a straw used for cocaine. However, as noted by both Libération and the fact-checking site Tech ARP, it was simply a coffee stirrer — a common item on train trips.
Conclusion
The video showing Macron and Merz on a train to Ukraine was misinterpreted online and turned into an unfounded rumor. Claims of cocaine involvement were debunked by reliable journalistic analysis and the footage itself, which only shows a tissue and a coffee stirrer.
Fake news ❌
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