As Western cities move towards demolishing churches and removing statues showcasing their heritage, Hungary is moving in the opposite direction. The latest example comes after the French city of Nice’s said it plans to remove a statue of the Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc), who serves as one of the patron saints of France. Now, the Hungarian city of Mátészalka is offering to take it from the French while praising the historical and Christian role of Joan of Arc.
The city’s conservative mayor, Christian Erstrosi, commissioned the statue for €170,000 from the sculptor Atelier Missor and it was erected in December. However, French judges moved to remove the statue, arguing that the contract “failed” to meet “publicity and competitive tendering obligations.” The court alleges that the commission was given solely to Missor, who is believed to have ties to the “extreme right.”
The mayor contends that the splendid statue showcases Joan of Arc as a “figure of unity and French pride.” It is unclear on what basis the judges are ordering the entire statue with gold gilding to be removed, but Hungary sees no purpose in destroying a piece of public art and says it will accept it.
“Joan of Arc’s fight and martyrdom goes on,” wrote KDNP leader Zsolt Semjén, party group leader István Simicskó, and Mátészalka Mayor Péter Hanusi in a statement.
“The changes that have taken place in America will hopefully arrive in Europe soon … KDNP supports any endeavor aimed at saving our Christian-based Western culture,” they added. Mátészalka is located in the northeast near the Romanian border and is known for its rich history and focus on traditional Hungarian culture. Often referred to as the “City of Light,” it was one of the first Hungarian cities to install electric street lighting.
Notably, Joan of Arc became the symbol of the National Front of Jean Marie Le Pen, who died this month at the age of 86. As a result, the left has taken a hostile view towards the saint for decades despite her significant role in French history, including the pivotal part she played during the siege of Orléans. During the battle, French forces beat back and moved to pursue British forces. Her role in the following battles culminated in a major defeat for English forces and King Charles VII being crowned king with Joan by his side.
Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s National Rally party, has passed away at aged 96.
Over his decades-long career, the former paratrooper fought for France as a patriot.
Here are some of the quotes that defined his political beliefs. pic.twitter.com/39yot8SK0E
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) January 7, 2025In recent years, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has signaled that he believes Hungary will increasingly take in Christian refugees from European countries. His government has also expanded the construction of churches even as much of the West races to demolish, sell off, or convert its churches.
