A Call for the Return of the Statue of Liberty

French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann has sparked significant discussion by calling for the return of the Statue of Liberty to the United States. This iconic statue, a gift from France, symbolizes hope for countless immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.

In a speech to 1500 delegates, Glucksmann expressed concern over U.S. policies under the Trump administration, suggesting that the current trajectory of American governance prioritizes alliances with oppressive regimes. He drew parallels between past historical injustices and contemporary political decisions, underscoring a perceived betrayal of the statue's symbolic meaning.

Glucksmann emphasized that the statue, standing 46 meters tall and adorned with a seven-ray crown and a gilded torch, represents ideals of freedom and democracy that are being undermined. His remarks also touched on the dismissal of researchers advocating for scientific independence, alongside criticisms of U.S. relations with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Glucksmann's call to return the statue resonates as a poignant reminder of the foundational values shared between nations, urging a reflection on the principles of liberty and justice.