French Lawmaker Calls for U.S. to Return Statue of Liberty Amid Debate Over American Values

PARIS – In a provocative statement that has ignited global discussion, French lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann has called on the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France, arguing that America has drifted from the ideals of liberty and democracy the iconic monument represents. The demand, made during a recent interview, has stirred a mix of outrage, support, and introspection across social media and political circles, spotlighting a broader debate about the state of American values and the enduring symbolism of the 19th-century gift.

Glucksmann, a prominent figure in France’s Progressive Left and a member of the European Parliament, pointed to what he described as a erosion of democratic norms in the U.S., including challenges to voting rights, political polarization, and recent controversies over civil liberties. “The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to celebrate a shared commitment to freedom,” Glucksmann said. “If America no longer upholds those principles, perhaps it is time for her to return home.”

The Statue of Liberty, presented to the United States in 1886 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations and a beacon of hope for immigrants, has long stood as an emblem of democratic ideals. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and with its internal structure engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the monument has since become synonymous with the American promise of opportunity and justice.

Glucksmann’s remarks have unleashed a firestorm of reactions online. On social media platforms like X, responses range from incredulity to fervent agreement. “America’s a mess, but good luck prying Lady Liberty out of New York Harbor,” one user quipped, while another countered, “He’s not wrong—liberty’s taken a beating here lately.” Others dismissed the demand as grandstanding, with one post reading, “France doesn’t get to repossess a gift because they don’t like how we’re doing.”

The statement has also drawn attention to France’s own political landscape, where critics have accused Glucksmann of leveraging the controversy to bolster his domestic profile ahead of upcoming elections. French officials have not formally endorsed his call, and the U.S. government has yet to respond officially, though analysts suggest the demand is unlikely to be taken seriously in diplomatic circles. 17GEN4.com