During the European Political Community summit in Albania, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan grasped the finger of his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in what appeared to be a subtle non-verbal exchange.
Footage shared by Turkish media shows the two leaders greeting each other with a handshake. Erdogan lightly pats Macron’s hand, prompting the French President to place his second hand over Erdogan’s — a gesture often interpreted as a show of dominance. As Macron begins to withdraw, Erdogan unexpectedly holds onto his finger.
The two leaders continue their conversation for several seconds with the help of interpreters. Erdogan releases Macron’s hand only after the exchange concludes on an amicable note.
According to Turkish outlet SonDakika, Erdogan’s move may have been an intentional response to prevent Macron from asserting dominance through body language. The publication suggests that placing a second hand over another’s is commonly seen as a symbolic power gesture, which Erdogan appeared to interrupt by holding Macron’s finger.
