Erdogan and Macron's "strange" handshake in the spotlight of the media

The press and social media are discussing the strange handshake between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Emmanuel Macron at the European Leaders’ Summit in the Albanian capital Tirana.

The footage shows how, during the handshake, the Turkish president first lightly caresses the hand of the French president, then Macron repeats the same. Then, Erdogan, accidentally or intentionally, grabbed Macron’s middle finger and did not let go, as if with an indifferent look.

Erdogan’s behavior has given rise to heated discussions. According to one opinion, the Turkish president was simply thinking and listening to the translators.

Turkish media write that Erdogan thus prevented Macron’s attempt at psychological domination. The French president wanted to show familiarity by placing his hand on the Turkish leader’s shoulder, which Erdogan did not allow.