Football, smoking and 'the boss': a G7 full of quirks

Paris (France) (AFP) – From open-mic moments to photos taking leaders off guard, the G7 summit in France provided a rare chance to see how world leaders behave behind closed doors.

Issued on: 17/06/2026 - 15:02

3 min Reading time

With the summit dominated by US President Donald Trump, but with several other charismatic leaders present, the three-day meeting on the shores of Lake Geneva provided its fair share of colourful moments.Here AFP chooses five of the most memorable:- Quitting smoking, Italian style-"I have to take a coffee," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, picked up by open microphones as she entered a morning G7 summit session. "And a cigarette…?" German Chancellor Friedrich Merz chipped in, apparently well accustomed to his far-right Italian counterpart's habits.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed she had given up smoking © Ludovic MARIN / AFP