2024-10-30 18:00:00
YES. Surprising as it may seem to many of his detractors, it is not about having ” Coca Cola in stock » (1), who today is criticized against Emmanuel Macron. NO. This is his “baggage”. That is, the 122 personalities he chose to take with him during his escape to Morocco.
For that?
Firstly because many of these 122 personalities have criminal records longer than their arm and because Alexandre Benalla, nicknamed “the Belphegor” of the Elysée by one of the president’s relatives, was not included in the “boss’s” suitcases (2). time.
François-Marie Barnier. This French writer and photographer was sentenced in 2016 to four years in prison and a 375,000 euro fine for abuse of weakness against Liliane Bettencourt, heiress of the Loréal group. A sentence that seems like a pat on the back compared to the hundreds of millions of euros he took from this lady. His assets would still amount to 60 million euros!
M’jid El Guerrab. This former LREM MP was sentenced in 2023 to one year in prison for intentional violence with a target weapon, in this case for attacking a former PS comrade with a motorcycle helmet.
Jean-Marc Borello. This French businessman and community leader, teacher of Emmanuel Macron, was sentenced in 1999 to a six-month suspended sentence for facilitating the illicit use of drugs at the “Palace”, a Paris nightclub of which he was the manager. But he was also accused of sexual harassment within the SOS group, a very powerful group that brings together 750 associations, social enterprises and institutes which, officially, intervene for the benefit of people in vulnerable situations. Jean-Marc Borello was also the administrator of the “Les Tournelles” institute, a re-education center for criminals whose director was sentenced to twelve years of criminal imprisonment for pedophile acts against one of the residents, at the end of a trial during of which numerous testimonies suggested the involvement of Jean-Marc Borello in these acts at least in a passive manner.
And it will be because this list of personalities chosen by Emmanuel Macron to accompany him to Morocco actually leads us to talk about pedophilia, or it will be because he is president of the Institute of the Arab World (since 2013 and renewed for three years just recently by Emmanuel Macron) Macron ), there is also Jack Lang. He has never been convicted by the courts. However, he remained a signatory of the Pedophilia Tribune that Le Monde published in 1977.
« It was bullshit! »said on this topic on January 18, 2021.
As Charles Aznavour sings beautifully, the case is curious, it is even the defense of Jean-Marc Morandini in his trial for sexual molestation of a minor and for inciting a minor to debauchery, which ended with his sentence to one year’s imprisonment with suspension of sentence.
Finally there is also Yassine Belattar. This French-Moroccan comedian whom Jordan Bardella accuses of being “close to the anti-Semites of the Collective against Islamophobia in France” was sentenced in 2023 to four months in prison, suspended, for death threats and moral harassment against several people world of entertainment, a belief he did not appeal to.
Skinny! In these conditions it is difficult to adhere to the analysis made on this topic by Arnaud Benedetti, political scientist and editor-in-chief of Political and parliamentary review, about these personalities:
“I am there to promote France and participate in soft power. » (3)
Added to all this is the strong feeling of déjà vu, which emanates from the systematic presence in President Macron’s luggage, during his official visits, of the couple Arielle Dombasle/Bernard-Henri Lévy. A presence that is also totally opposed to “soft power” towards the latter, BHL having made an oratory art of all the military wars led by France for 40 years: Lebanon, former Yugoslavia, first Gulf War. And, above all, the war in Libya. This war, legitimized under the false pretext of bringing democracy to this country, has transformed it into a field of ruins. The fighting left hundreds of thousands dead, and continues to do so in spades 13 years later. The primary objective of the instigators, but of the real criminals of this war, was to transfer the Libyan oil assets from the assets of the Libyan people to that of the American, English and French oil companies who forcibly inherited the concessions. The secondary and equally achieved aim of this war was to break down “the Libyan barrier” (i.e. Libya’s blockade of illegal sub-Saharan immigrants in force while Muammar Gaddafi was in power), to allow the arrival in the countries of the European Union, millions of migrants thanks to whom the gravediggers of ancestral Europe will be able to complete the ” Because it’s our project! » disastrous they have for her.
YES. This is an incongruous delegation to say the least and which, if it had not been chartered with presidential planes, would have had great difficulty in passing through customs without incident. An allowance that exceeds the regulatory 23 kilos normally included in the ticket price for travelers taking the plane. And the cost of this excess baggage is obviously billed to taxpayers in times of budget shortages.
Macronistan appears to be a land where not everyone is equal before the law, and where” do what I say, not what I do ».
1) nineteenth album of the adventures of Tintin, comic by Hergé.
(2) “the boss” is what Alexandre Benalla calls Emmanuel Macron
(3) “Soft power” is generally defined as “the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion”: diplomacy, culture, economic aid, etc.
#Luggage #bulky #detriment #French #taxpayer
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst
Editor: Good evening and welcome to Time.news. Today we have a special guest, Arnaud Benedetti, a political scientist and editor-in-chief of the Political and Parliamentary Review. Arnaud, thank you for joining us.
Benedetti: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent news surrounding Emmanuel Macron and his choice of 122 personalities to accompany him to Morocco has stirred quite the controversy. What do you make of this selection?
Benedetti: It’s indeed a curious selection, to say the least. These figures, while notable in their own right, come with extensive baggage—some of which raises ethical questions. The optics are troubling when you see personalities with criminal records or controversial pasts traveling under the banner of France. It appears to challenge the very essence of “soft power” that Macron claims to promote.
Editor: You mentioned “soft power.” Macron suggests that having these individuals around him is meant to promote France. Can you elaborate on why this justification feels inadequate to many?
Benedetti: Certainly. The idea of soft power is rooted in cultural diplomacy and moral authority. When you have individuals like François-Marie Barnier or M’jid El Guerrab—both with serious legal issues—it’s hard to argue that such an entourage enhances France’s image. Instead, it casts a shadow over it. The contradictions between the lofty ideals of soft power and the choices made by the President are stark.
Editor: There’s also the presence of certain figures known for controversial past associations, like Jack Lang. His signing of the Pedophilia Tribune in 1977 is something many recall. Does this not complicate the narrative surrounding Macron’s choices even further?
Benedetti: Absolutely. Lang’s history complicates things greatly. While he has not been convicted, the mere association with such a statement raises red flags. It leads to public skepticism regarding the motives behind these associations. Macron’s claim to promote a progressive image of France is overshadowed by these figures’ controversial histories, which only serves to alienate segments of the population.
Editor: One of the more troubling aspects has been the recent controversies involving Jean-Marc Borello and allegations surrounding sexual misconduct. How does this fit into the broader narrative of leadership choices and accountability?
Benedetti: The inclusion of individuals like Borello, combined with their questionable past actions, speaks to a glaring lack of accountability. It raises the question: What kind of message does this send to the general populace about the standards upheld by those in power? If the administration chooses to associate with such individuals, it could imply a tacit endorsement of their actions, which is alarming.
Editor: On a broader level, how do you think this situation affects Macron’s standing domestically and internationally?
Benedetti: Domestically, it generates mistrust and fuels conspiracy theories about elitism and privilege. People begin to feel that their leaders are accountable to different standards than the average citizen. Internationally, it could undermine France’s credibility. If these individuals are seen as representatives of French culture and values, it can dilute the very essence of French diplomacy.
Editor: Lastly, moving away from individuals, do you believe Macron can pivot this narrative and reclaim the intended message of soft power, or has the moment passed?
Benedetti: It will be challenging. Public perception has already formed, and the media landscape does not easily forget. For Macron to pivot successfully, he would need to take significant steps toward accountability—both in selecting his associations and addressing the concerns raised. Without that, the narrative is likely to persist and complicate his administration’s goals moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Arnaud. Your insights into these events are invaluable, and it’s clear that the implications of choice in leadership go far beyond personal relationships. We appreciate your time today.
Benedetti: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation, and I hope it encourages deeper scrutiny of our leaders and their choices moving forward.