French President Emmanuel Macron is drawing fierce online backlash after criticizing the American conception of free speech and arguing that liberty requires a "common framework" — remarks landing as his government faces mounting pressure from nationwide student protests, school blockades and clashes with riot police across France."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.FRANCE’S TEEN RIOTS TAKE EXPLOSIVE NEW TURN AS GOVERNMENT POINTS FINGER AT HARD LEFTFrance's President Emmanuel Macron gives the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on May 30, 2025.(Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)"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.FRANCE ROCKED BY STUDENT RIOTS AS HUNDREDS ARRESTED, VIOLENCE SPREADS NATIONWIDEAUBERVILLIERS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 1: French student protesters burn trash bins and bicycles during clashes with French riot police (CRS) in Aubervillie...