G7 hot mics catch Meloni quitting smoking, sports talk, and Greenland banter

As the world's richest democracies tackle war and trade at the G7 summit in France, hot microphones set up for official discussions inadvertently picked up lighter conversations among leaders. One standout moment: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni disclosed she hasn't smoked since the first of May, prompting enthusiastic congratulations from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian PM Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister, Japan's representative, and EU officials. Meloni raised her hands in celebration while Carney asked if she had a nicotine patch, grabbing his own arm.

The banter continued with sports talk, including a French chant 'Allez les bleus!' and a curious reference to Greenland. The unfiltered audio offers a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics and humor of global leaders, contrasting their typically scripted public appearances. While the summit's agenda remains serious—covering conflicts, climate, and economic policies—these hot-mic moments remind the public that even heads of state engage in everyday chatter about cigarettes, football (or soccer), and geography.