French President Emmanuel Macron attracted attention on Wednesday when he appeared wearing dark sunglasses indoors while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The unusual appearance became a subject of discussion inside the conference hall and on social media. Reports later clarified that the decision was not linked to fashion or symbolism, but to a medical issue affecting the president’s eye.
According to a report in a US newspaper, President Macron wore blue aviator-style sunglasses because of an eye condition.
During his 18-minute address, he offered no public explanation for wearing the glasses.
The sunglasses were first noticed last week when Macron addressed France’s armed forces on New Year’s Day, when swelling could be seen in his right eye.
On that occasion, he briefly removed the glasses and told the audience that although the condition did not look pleasant, it was harmless.
French media later reported that the president had suffered a subconjunctival haemorrhage, caused by the rupture of a small blood vessel in the eye.
Medical experts said the condition can result from minor injury, severe coughing or sneezing, high blood pressure, or the use of blood-thinning medication. It usually clears on its own within two weeks without treatment.
Despite the medical explanation, some social media users suggested that the sunglasses carried a political message, linking them to a firm position on possible US tariffs on French wine and champagne, or remarks related to Greenland.
Commentators also recalled that Macron has previously used clothing to convey messages, including in 2022 when he wore a turtleneck sweater during Europe’s energy crisis to signal restraint.
Others online made light comparisons with Tom Cruise’s character in Top Gun, while some were reminded of former US President Joe Biden, who is often seen wearing aviator sunglasses.
