According to France24, this politician believes that recent policy changes under President Donald Trump are going against the values that this statue represents.
The statue of the Goddess of Peace, designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and built by engineer Gustave Eiffel, is a gift from the French to the United States to celebrate the country's 100th anniversary of independence. Since 1886, the statue has been placed in New York Port as a symbol of freedom.
Mr. Glucksmann, a center-left lawmaker and supporter of Ukraine, strongly criticized President Trump's policies, especially changes related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He said the US was no longer worthy of the freedom symbol that France had presented.
The statue of Goddess of Peace is a gift we have given you, but it seems that you no longer appreciate it. If so, it is best for the statue to return to its homeland," Glucksmann said at the center-left Place Publique party conference, according to Le Monde.
Since taking office in January, President Trump has implemented a series of government reform measures, including spending cuts and blocking foreign aid initiatives that are not in line with the "America First" policy. He also pushed for illegal immigration suppression and issued executive orders targeting federal funding for climate research and gender research.
Mr. Glucksmann continued to criticize the above policy, emphasizing that France is ready to welcome affected scientists. If you want to fire your best researchers, those who have helped your country become a leading power in the world through freedom, innovation and passion for research, then we will extend our arms to welcome them, he said.
Mr. Glucksmann's speech received a response from the crowd, but also sparked controversy about the true meaning of the statue and whether the demand for its return was realistic.
