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G7 hot mic moments steal the spotlight
Paris: While world leaders gathered at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, to address pressing global challenges, a series of candid conversations caught on open microphones offered a lighter glimpse into the personalities behind the politics.
From Giorgia Meloni’s revelation about quitting smoking to football banter and Donald Trump’s renewed reference to Greenland, several unscripted moments emerged alongside the summit’s serious agenda.
Meloni Reveals She Has Quit Smoking
One of the most talked-about exchanges occurred when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz casually asked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni whether she had already had a cigarette that morning.
Meloni surprised fellow leaders by revealing that she had not smoked since May 1. The announcement was met with congratulations from leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and European Union representatives.
Carney jokingly followed up by asking whether she was using a nicotine patch, prompting further laughter among the group.
Football Takes Centre Stage
Amid discussions on international affairs, leaders briefly shifted their attention to football as the FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to reports, one participant enthusiastically shouted "Allez les Bleus," a popular chant supporting the French national team. Another leader referenced Paris Saint-Germain's recent UEFA Champions League triumph.
Trump added a sporting anecdote of his own, recalling a UFC event held at the White House to celebrate his 80th birthday and praising UFC president Dana White, a longtime ally.
Later, Starmer sparked further sporting discussion by highlighting Cape Verde's surprising 0-0 draw against reigning world champions Spain.
"Quite remarkable, I have to say," the British prime minister remarked.
Trump Revisits Greenland Discussion
A more politically sensitive moment emerged during a conversation between Trump and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Referring to Greenland, Trump reportedly looked toward Costa and simply remarked, "You understand? Greenland."
The comment revived memories of Trump's previous suggestions that the United States should acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Those remarks had previously generated diplomatic friction across Europe.
Macron’s Forgotten Watch Triggers Laughter
The summit's lighter moments continued when French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to leave a working lunch without his watch.
"We've got his watch here," Carney observed after noticing the item left behind.
Trump quickly responded, "Give me it if he left, gimme," drawing laughter from those present.
Diplomatic Gifts and Friendly Gestures
As part of the summit's tradition of diplomatic exchanges, Macron presented each leader with a personalised bicycle to promote the 2027 UCI Cycling World Championships, which will be held in the French Alps.
David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale, later confirmed the gesture on social media, thanking Macron for highlighting the upcoming event.
Meanwhile, Merz extended a symbolic olive branch to Trump by presenting him with a German national football team jersey bearing Trump's name and the number 47.
Trump proudly displayed the jersey for photographers, while Merz later posted online: "Happy belated 80th birthday, @POTUS. After all, we're on the same team."
Summit Nears Conclusion
As the G7 Summit enters its final day, leaders continue discussions on global security, economic cooperation and international conflicts. Yet the unexpected hot-mic moments have provided a rare and often humorous glimpse into the informal conversations taking place behind the scenes of high-level diplomacy.
