Marine Tondelier, leader of France’s Ecologists party, is facing sharp criticism after calling for a European Union-wide ban on the social media platform X, particularly during election periods. Framing the platform as a threat to democracy, Tondelier’s proposal raises serious concerns about the erosion of free speech under the pretense of safeguarding electoral integrity.
During an appearance on RTL’s Le Grand Jury, Tondelier dismissed the principle of free expression, stating, “It’s not a question of freedom of expression; it’s a question of shaping public opinion.”
This alarming perspective suggests that controlling narratives is more important than protecting open debate. Her claim that free speech social media “has a grip on reality” and “impacts election results” overlooks the fact that a free society relies on diverse voices, even those that challenge mainstream perspectives.
