Emmanuel Macron in Davos, January 20, 2026. FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

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ust as Emmanuel Macron's term seemed destined to end in languor and anonymity, it has suddenly taken an unexpectedly dramatic turn. Who, just a few weeks ago, could have imagined the French president locked in an intense diplomatic battle – complete with insults, impersonations and screenshots exchanged with his American counterpart – with his gaze hidden behind mirrored aviator sunglasses?

According to the official explanation from the Elysée Palace and its medical team, Macron recently suffered a "bleed in a vessel in his eye." The president's chief physician has called the issue entirely benign, though it does require the president to wear sunglasses "for a while."

While these explanations were convincing enough to nip the usual conspiracy theories in the bud, one question remains unanswered: Among all the sunglasses available on the market, why did the president choose aviators?