“The so-called American ‘free speech’ today, which some people have promoted, is the opposite of free speech,” Macron said at Complutense University in Madrid during a discussion on democracy, youth and the digital age on Sept. 29, according to a translation of his remarks.
Macron argued that free speech is not absolute and must be bounded by the rights of others and respect for public order, while also arguing that the flow of information must maintain a relationship to truth. He compared those limits to restrictions against assaulting or insulting others or destroying public property.
“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,” Macron added, according to a translation to English.
The remarks quickly drew backlash online, with critics seizing on the contrast between Macron’s comments on free speech and the unrest unfolding at home, where protests, blockades and clashes with police are testing his government.
“These people are going to cling to power even if it means burning their countries to the ground,” said Federalist senior editor John Daniel Davidson.
“Offended by the First Amendment while completely ignoring the fact his own country is literally burning to the ground,” wrote one person.
“His country is being destroyed by riots. Does he consider that free speech,” asked another person.
“Emmanuel Macron is an enormous fool,” said Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger.
“Europeans are so stupid about speech,” said one user.
“At this point, bringing back the Bourbons would be more dignified for France,” wrote Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee’s communication director Billy Gribbin.