Macron’s criticism sparks press freedom concerns.
The Republicans, France’s main conservative party, have launched a petition condemning the move, calling it “scandalous and dangerous.”
The petition reads: “Emmanuel Macron has no mandate from the people to determine good and bad media. Certifying news is not about creating an official truth; it is not democracy.”
Bruno Retilhau, the leader of the Republicans in the French Senate and a former interior minister, accused Macron of approaching “the dystopian world of George Orwell in 1984,” warning that “France does not need a Ministry of Truth.” He also accused Macron of “crossing the red line of freedom of expression.”
Eric Ciotti, the leader of the Right Alliance for the Republic party, made similar accusations, calling on Macron to abandon the project, which he said was “reminiscent of the extremism of authoritarian regimes.”
Jordan Bardella of the right-wing nationalist National Rally party also described the plan as “an authoritarian temptation” presented by a man who has lost power and seeks to maintain it by controlling information.
Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure in the party, also called Macron’s goal “obvious”: “controlling the media,” which he said was “very dangerous.”
But the strongest reaction came from Vincent Bleury, the ultra-conservative Catholic billionaire who is often called the “French Robert Murdoch.”