French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face during a visit to Tain-l’Hermitage, in Drôme, in the south-east of the country.
Videos of the incident posted on a social network show Macron approaching to greet residents behind a metal barrier.
He puts his hand on the left arm of a man who then shouts “Down with macronism” and slaps the president violently with his right hand.
Two people were arrested, according to BFM TV and RMC radio. The Le Dauphine website speaks of a prisoner.
Macron’s security party quickly intervened to grab the slapping man and push back the president, who quickly returned to greet locals further to the right.
The French leader, who is due to run again next year, is touring the country for what the government calls “a trip through France of the territories”.
On the eve of a new phase of mistrust, in which restaurant owners will once again be able to serve their customers in the dining room, Macron has focused his trip to Drôme on gastronomy. In Tain-l’Hermitage, he visited a hotel school before a working lunch in the city of Valence.