Franco-Algerian CEO’s Heartfelt Post Draws Macron’s Attention, Sparks Moroccan Backlash

"When your mother comes to visit your offices for the first time in 5 years... It’s better than going on France 2, TF1 and signing 10 partnerships with CAC40 companies. (...) You show her your four offices, you introduce her to your team of 10 employees with more pride than if it were Mr. President Emmanuel Macron himself (sorry Mr. President). She looks at you moved and she tells you ’I’m proud of you, you and your brother’... That’s worth 5 fundraising rounds," wrote Mr. Attik, CEO of Evolukid, a learning platform for programming, robotics and electronics based in the Paris region.

"I am French of Algerian origin and very grateful for everything that France has brought me as I proclaimed in a report on France 2, and I am very proud of my Algerian origins," he added. The entrepreneur tagged the French head of state on LinkedIn. The latter reacted to the post: "After seeing your message, I can tell you that your mother’s pride is shared. Congratulations to you and your teams."

Mr. Macron’s comment visibly moved Mr. Attik. "I am extremely touched by your message, Mr. President Emmanuel Macron, and I would be honored to meet you to present our journeys," he replied, before making a controversial post. "Our Moroccan brothers kiss their parents’ hands. With us, we kiss [sic] the head," affirmed the Franco-Algerian. He illustrates his post with a photo of him kissing his mother’s head. This has ruffled some Moroccans.

"Even in Morocco, we kiss the head," commented a Moroccan internet user. "You almost succeeded...according to you!... but the Moroccans remain in your blood and imagination...," reacted another internet user. The Franco-Algerian entrepreneur, whose in-laws are Moroccan, then tried to put an end to the controversy: "I sincerely did not want to create the slightest division, quite the contrary, I love the Moroccan people so much that I deliberately cited that as an example. Moreover, I find the act itself magnificent, what better act of respect than to kiss the hand, or even the feet of one’s parents."