French Member of European Parliament to America : Give back 'Statue of Liberty'

French MEP Raphael Glucksmann - Photo Credit : Le Figaro TV | Statue of Liberty - Statue of Liberty : Photo Credit : World Atlas

By Vineet Malik | March 18, 2025 | India

French Socialist Member of Parliament (MEP) Raphaël Glucksmann in his strong speech delivered at a political party Place Publique convention on Sunday said the United States (U.S.) should return the Statue of Liberty, designed by French Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.

The symbol was gifted by France to mark the centennial of American independence as the U.S. no longer believe in the values the universal symbol represents.

Glucksmann further added “We gave it to you as a gift - a symbol of freedom and democracy, but apparently you despise it. The U.S. has chosen to side with tyrants. So it will be just fine here at home."

"The second thing we are 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 are going to welcome them.”

The controversy has emerged due to a U-Turn taken by Washington to pause aid to Ukraine in an ongoing battle with Russia after the new U.S. President Donald Trump took charge early this year.

However, the U.S. later agreed to resume aid to Ukraine after talks held with Saudi Arabia last week over temporary ceasefire for 30 days.

The public humiliation of Ukranian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy by Trump was witnessed by every nation, in particular has been dissonant with Europe.

Trump has cut federal research funding and decided to dismiss several federal workers working on noble subjects such as health and climate research.

The Statue of Liberty represents democracy and hope, representing the ideals of the U.S. for its values known to welcome the immigrants.