Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a deputy from the French far-right party National Rally (RN), recently defended his use of the phrase "work makes free" during a speech, arguing that it had been taken out of context. A two-second clip of him saying "yes, work makes free" during an event in Vierzon, Cher, last weekend went viral on social media, sparking controversy. The phrase "Arbeit macht frei," which translates to "work makes free," is infamous for being displayed at the entrances of Nazi concentration and extermination camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau. Its use has long been associated with the atrocities of the Holocaust and is widely considered offensive. Tanguy explained during a thirty-minute interview with Europe 1/CNews that he was referring to the idea that individuals can achieve personal freedom and emancipation through a good salary, affordable housing, and the social achievements of the Resistance. He emphasized that his comments were not meant to trivialize the suffering of Holocaust victims but to discuss broader themes of freedom and social progress. When asked if he regretted using the phrase, Tanguy said he would not regret being accused of nonsense, but he offered his apologies to those with painful family histories or who are victims of antisemitism. He clarified that his apologies were for the potential emotional harm caused to individuals, not for the words themselves, and he expressed respect for the suffering of those affected by Nazi atrocities. Tanguy also pointed out that former French President Nicolas Sarkozy had previously used the same phrase in a speech, suggesting that it is a recurring topic in political discourse. He argued that the phrase can be interpreted in a non-offensive way when discussing economic and social freedom. Louis Aliot, vice-president of the National Rally, supported Tanguy, stating that the clip was taken out of context and that there was no criticism of Tanguy's remarks from the party. The controversy highlights the sensitivity of historical references in modern political speech and the challenges of interpreting phrases with deeply troubling associations.