Elon Musk, a controversial billionaire and owner of platform X (formerly Twitter), is known for his unorthodox approach to doing business and expressing his views. Recently, however, he has been criticized not only for his business decisions, but besides for his political statements and their impact on global public debate. 1 of the loudest critics was French president Emmanuel Macron, who accused Musk of "interfering into Europe". What are the consequences of these tensions, and why do French institutions leave portal X?
Memorial in Caen: Symbolic break-up with platform X
One of the first institutions to publically quit utilizing the Elona Muska platform is Memorial in Caen – a French museum dedicated to the past of the 20th century. The manager of the museum, Kléber Arhoul, stressed in an authoritative message that the decision to leave platform X stems from “the incompatibility of the portal with the values of democracy, tolerance and respect for others”. Arhoul, known for promoting themes specified as decolonization and cold war, accused Muska of deliberately turning distant from these values.
"This is simply a carefully thought-out decision, confirmed by fresh insults by Elon Musk towards the Chancellor of Germany," Arhoul said, adding that Musk is implementing a political task aimed at "unifying reaction parties."
Kléber Arhoul, the dark-skinned manager of the Memorial and the erstwhile National Coordinator for the Admission of Migrants, stresses that the decision is besides an expression of opposition to the deficiency of censorship on the portal, which, according to him, poses a threat to democratic values.
Broader context: The reactions of French institutions
The Memorial decision follows a broader trend in French organisations and institutions leaving platform X. In fresh months, regional journals “Ouest-France” and “Sud Ouest” and organisations specified as Greenpeace France have resigned from the portal. The reason is both the change in content moderation policy on the platform, as well as the controversial statements of Musko himself, including his support for erstwhile US president Donald Trump.
Emmanuel Macron, who openly criticized Musk, accused him of supporting narratives undermining European values. This criticism has gained wide resonance and the French elites are increasingly expressing their concerns about the impact of Platform X on public opinion.
Polarization or freedom of speech?
The breakthrough changes Elon Musk introduced on platform X after its acquisition in 2022 met with mixed reactions. On the 1 hand, his supporters praise the decision to limit censorship and advance freedom of speech. On the another hand, critics accuse him of not being liable for spreading disinformation and hatred speech.
This situation shows how much polarisation of the opinion affects the form of modern public debate. For many institutions, specified as Memorial in Caen, the choice between staying on the platform and leaving it becomes a substance of principles and faithfulness to its values.
Does Elon Musk truly change the political landscape?
There is no uncertainty that Elon Musk's decisions and statements affect the global political scene. His open support for Donald Trump and the criticism of European leaders, specified as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, strengthen his conviction of political ambitions. Critics fear that Musk is utilizing his platform to advance narratives conducive to populist and reactionary movements.
On the another hand, Musk defenders argue that his actions are motivated by the desire to defend freedom of speech and counter excessive control by governments and corporations. As Musk himself pointed out, “freedom of speech is the foundation of democracy, even if any abuse it.”
Le Mémorial de Caen, dirigé par Kléber Arhoul, quitte X car contraire à leurs valeurs
Ce mec est juste un million pro migrants.
He peut le remercier pour tous les meutes des OQTF.
Nos anciens sont morts pour ça...
Fin de la bogue.
Bon vent! pic.twitter.com/yINWG9HH12
— Marcantonio Bragadin (@Lemisanthro) January 6, 2025
Read more:
Blackmail! The deficiency of censorship on the X platform does not fit the French "elicie" that breaks up with the portal
