At the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Albania, a seemingly minor but highly awkward interaction between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron has captured widespread attention online and sparked a wave of commentary and body language analysis.
In the viral clip, Macron approaches Erdogan — who is seated — for a handshake. Erdogan not only grabs Macron's hand but also pats it. Then, in an unexpected twist, as Macron reaches forward with his other hand, Erdogan subtly grabs and holds Macron’s index finger, preventing him from fully disengaging. For about 13 uncomfortable seconds, Macron appears visibly puzzled and somewhat restrained, standing awkwardly as Erdogan speaks while still clasping his finger. Eventually, Erdogan lets go.
Social media users have widely interpreted the moment as a power play, with some joking that Erdogan had metaphorically “got Macron wrapped around his finger.” Others have called it a classic example of non-verbal dominance—a calculated move to assert control or unsettle the other leader during a public, high-profile exchange.
A Turkish media outlet suggested that Erdogan's behavior may have been reactive, implying that Macron tried to assert psychological dominance first by placing a hand on Erdogan’s shoulder—something that can be seen as patronizing or assertive in diplomatic settings. Erdogan's unusual grip on Macron’s finger may have been a subtle but pointed response.
The EPC summit itself hosted 47 European leaders, with the official goal of promoting regional stability and cooperation, but it was also marked by several lighter and symbolic moments. One particularly well-received gesture came from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who bent on one knee and greeted Italian PM Giorgia Meloni with a respectful ‘namaste’, a gesture that charmed many observers on social media.
While no official comment has been made by either camp about the Erdogan–Macron exchange, it has become a trending topic, with analysts and meme-makers alike dissecting the 13-second interaction as emblematic of subtle tensions and the complex choreography of international diplomacy.
