US no longer 'worthy': French politician wants Statue of Liberty back

French member of European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann said, 'Give us back the Statue of Liberty'. The statue was gifted to America but apparently, they 'despise' it, the leader said, adding that it will be 'just fine at home'.

The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the United State in 1886, for the recognition of the alliance between the two nations during America Revolution.

Now, almost after 139 years later, a leader from France believes that America is 'not worthy' of having the statue.

As per a report by AP, French member of European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann said, "Give us back the Statue of Liberty," while his Place Publique party members cheered for him.

His words were pointed towards the "Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants," and the Americans "who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom," as reported by French publication Le Monde.

The statue was gifted to America but apparently, they "despise" it, the leader said, adding that it will be "just fine at home".

Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, Statue of Liberty was given to the United States on July 4, 1884, officially.

Now, can France reclaim the Statue of Liberty?

As per the UNESCO website, the Statue of Liberty is owned by the government of the United States of America. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924, with highest possible level of protection given to the statue.

The gift had taken time to be funded. Later, a decision was drawn that France will pay for it while America will cover its pedestals' costs.

The statue was transported in 350 pieces and was unveiled on October 28, 1886.

So, is the government of France offering asylum to the Statue of Liberty? No, the relations between the United States and France will have to "drop off a cliff before Glucksmann found support from French President Emmanuel Macron's government," as per AP report.

As of recent, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron diverged on the Ukraine war as the visiting European leader contradicted the US President over who was responsible for the Russian invasion and how much the allies are doing to help Ukraine.

Trump and Macron's polite exchange in February exposed the deepening divide between the United States and Europe as the newly restored US President seeks to broker a peace deal with Russia.

Raphael Glucksmann's party however has been critical and has accused trump of "wielding power in an authoritarian manner" and is "preparing to deliver Ukraine on a silver platter to Russia," as reported by AP.

The leader in his speech also made reference to the words of poet Emma Lazarus from New York.

"Mighty woman with a torch who promised a home for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Today, this land is ceasing to be what it was," he said as reported by AP.