On video: Macron's victory speech after winning a second term as president of France (Photo: Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron has come under fire for removing the expensive watch he was wearing during a televised interview this week on controversial pension reform.
The Macron government passed a law last week that raises the retirement age in France from 62 to 64 - a move that sparked widespread protest and violent demonstrations that have been going on for about two months.
In a video circulated online, Macron is seen removing his watch during the interview, which was broadcast on French news channels and went viral.
Macron's opponents took the opportunity to accuse the president of being disconnected from the people.
Macron is seen using his hands to emphasize some point, then hides them under the table.
The next time you see his hands, the watch is gone.
Macron's representatives said that the watch was removed because it "hit the table and made a noise": "The watch was hit on the table and was removed so that the microphones would not pick up the noise...", it was reported.
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Internet users said that the watch is worth about $80,000, but the Elysee Palace said that this is not true - Macron's watch is from the luxury company Belle & Rose model BR V1-92, which is offered for sale on the website at a special price of $2,600.
The palace said in a statement: "The president has been wearing the watch regularly for more than a year and a half."
In another disturbing video circulated on the networks, police officers are seen dragging an elderly man on the sidewalk who participated in protests in Paris against the reform.
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