Munich forum chairman parodies Macron's Davos sunglasses moment

• Lighthearted Opening: Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger opened the 2026 Munich Security Conference by donning aviator sunglasses, playfully parodying French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent appearance at Davos to ease the tension of the summit.
• Geopolitical Focus: Despite the humor, the conference—attended by leaders like Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Macron—centered on serious themes of European cohesion and navigating shifting US foreign policy under the Trump administration.

At the opening of the 2026 Munich Security Conference on Friday, Wolfgang Ischinger, the event's chairman, introduced a rare moment of levity amid discussions on global geopolitical tensions.

During his welcoming remarks, Ischinger referenced French President Emmanuel Macron's appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos the previous month, where Macron had worn sunglasses indoors due to an eye condition.

This gesture, which drew widespread attention and some ridicule, was playfully parodied by Ischinger to lighten the atmosphere at the typically somber forum.

Ischinger, a seasoned German diplomat, stated, "I think what happened in Davos a couple of weeks ago does not necessarily need to stay in Davos. So I'm going to put this on for a moment," before donning a pair of aviator-style sunglasses similar to those worn by Macron.

Macron's Davos appearance in January 2026 had become a subject of international commentary after he explained that the sunglasses were necessary to conceal an eye infection.

Despite the health-related rationale, the image of the French leader in mirrored aviators sparked memes and satirical takes across social media and news outlets, with some figures, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joining in the jest during other public events.

The Munich Security Conference, held annually since 1963, convenes world leaders, diplomats, and experts to address global security challenges.

This year's edition, running from February 13 to 15, featured prominent speakers including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Macron himself, who delivered an address emphasizing the need for stronger European cohesion in the face of uncertainties like US foreign policy shifts under President Donald Trump.