The man, a resident of the town of Laval, western France, used the phrase "Casse-toi pauv' con!", which can be translated in numerous ways, including using expletives, during Macron's visit to the town on July 25, the portal explained.
He will be tried December 6. The young man shared his feelings with the minister during the latter's visit to French Tech, a local high-tech digital startup initiative supported by the Ministry of Economy.
"Casse-toi pauv' con!" became a cult phrase in France after former French President Nicolas Sarkozy used the line back in 2008 during a visit to an agricultural fair, after a local refused to shake his hand. The remark soon exploded on French social media, becoming the subject of numerous memes.
According to French media, the young man is likely to use the defense of freedom of expression. Indeed, in the case launched against Sarkozy, the court warned that criminally sanctioning the president's comments would "have a dissuasive effect on satirical interventions" which have a role to play in the wider debate on issues "of a general interest."
