Orbán cynically backs Marine Le Pen after embezzlement trial
Photo: Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary and Marine Le Pen, Member of the French National Assembly (Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán cynically supported French National Assembly member Marine Le Pen, who was tried in a case involving the embezzlement of European Parliament funds, according to Orbán's Twitter (X) account.
In his post, the head of the Hungarian government wrote, "Je suis Marine!", which translates to "I am Marine."
Je suis...
The phrase Je suis Charlie (I am Charlie) emerged after the terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo editorial office in Paris in 2015. Islamic terrorists shot and killed the magazine's journalists and cartoonists, justifying their actions by the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. In response, a large-scale solidarity movement began in France and worldwide, where people expressed support for freedom of speech and the victims of the attack. The slogan became a symbol of solidarity with the murdered journalists and the defense of free speech principles.
Later, the expression Je suis (I am ...) took on a broader meaning and was used in various contexts, including expressing condolences to victims of terrorist attacks or tragedies, as well as protesting against the suppression of freedom of speech or human rights.
Le Pen found guilty in embezzlement case
Today, March 31, Marine Le Pen and eight Members of the European Parliament were found guilty of embezzling European Union funds. According to the court's ruling:
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The pro-Russian lawmaker was sentenced to four years in prison, two of which are suspended, in the form of house arrest with an electronic bracelet.
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Le Pen was fined $108,000 and banned from participating in elections for five years.
