This French Debate Photo Became An Instant Meme Because Every Leader Looks So, So Weird

Why would they stand like ... that?

Managing Editor, Canada

Canada's federal leaders have gone viral after the first French debate of the election cycle, although it's for all the wrong reasons.

A photo from the Canadian Press, which has been shared widely online, shows four of Canada's major party leaders standing alongside TVA moderator Pierre Bruneau.

Instead of acting normally, though, each one has either pulled a bizarre facial expression or posed really, really oddly (we're looking at you, Blanchet).

Although it's hard to pinpoint the strangest part of the photo, eagle-eyed Twitter users didn't hold back.

Many noted both Justin Trudeau and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet's strange wide-legged stance, while others picked apart the Liberal leader's apparent smoulder.

"Why are they standing like they're all about to beam aboard the enterprise?" one person responded, while another asked, "Why do they look like cutouts?"

A third simply wrote, "How do none of them know how to stand?"

Multiple people called out Blanchet's unusual shoe choice for the occasion, while another roasted Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole for "wearing brown shoes with a blue suit" and having sleeves that are "too long (or short)."

It's not the first time Justin Trudeau has been roasted online for acting super weird in an official photo.

Earlier this year, a photo of the G7 leaders went viral thanks to a gloomy background, awkward-AF smiles and some freaky socially distanced poses.

In fact, several pictures from the same G7 summit in Britain can be used as proof that many politicians just don't know how to be normal … ever.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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