Full Breakdown
Macron’s Remarks on American Free Speech Amid French Unrest
By Drooid · · How we work
Event Overview
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the United States’ approach to free speech during a discussion on democracy, youth and the digital age held in Madrid. The comments arrived as his government confronts nationwide student protests, school blockades and clashes with riot police.
Student Protests and Disruptions
Protests began in the Paris suburbs over teacher shortages and inadequate school resources in mid-September and quickly spread nationwide. Demonstrators have set fires, damaged buildings and confronted police. France’s Education Ministry reported that classes were fully or partially suspended at 891 schools, and that 24 schools had been burned or ransacked since the unrest started, according to the Associated Press. The unrest has intensified public scrutiny of Macron’s policies and his recent remarks on free speech.
Official Statements & Responses
Macron emphasized that liberty requires a “common framework” and that individual freedom ends where it harms others. He likened speech limits to laws against assault, insult and destruction of public property, asserting that true freedom begins with respect for the freedoms of others. Earlier this year, during a separate appearance in New Delhi, he called for greater transparency of online algorithms and for public-order measures to curb racist and hate speech.
Criticism & Opposition
Macron’s remarks provoked a wave of online backlash. Commentators labeled him “an enormous fool” and suggested that France was “burning to the ground” while he defended American free speech. A Federalist senior editor warned that “these people are going to cling to power even if it means burning their countries to the ground.” A Republican Utah senator’s communications director suggested that while a social-media user asserted, “We are still free in America and @EmmanuelMacron can pound sand.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The so-called American ‘free speech’ today, which some people have promoted, is the opposite of free speech,” — Emmanuel Macron, french president
- “There is no freedom if there is no limit to my freedom, which begins with the freedom of others and respect for a common framework. I know this when I walk down the street: my freedom cannot mean hitting you, insulting you or trashing the public space we all share,” — Emmanuel Macron, french president
- “These people are going to cling to power even if it means burning their countries to the ground,” — Federalist
- “Emmanuel Macron is an enormous fool,” — Wikipedia
- “At this point, bringing back the Bourbons would be more dignified for France,” — Republican Utah Sen. Mike
- “The worst president France has ever had, verging on treasonous given his attempts to shut down the nation's remarkable nuclear industry and expertise,” — Institute, of Public Affairs senior fellow Adam Creighton