In a bold turn of his political career, the mayor of Elne and vice-president of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, Nicolas Garcia, has chosen to leave the social network X, previously known as Twitter. Instantly, this departure sparked strong reactions and echoed the general discourse concerning the excesses of social networks. By describing this platform as “run by a fascist,” he draws attention to increasingly concerning societal issues.
Underlying profound reasons
Nicolas Garcia’s departure from the platform is far from a trivial act. The former secretary of the local communist party federation has clearly expressed his disagreement with the current direction of X, now in the hands of Elon Musk, a billionaire known for his controversial opinions. “I do not want to contribute to a network run by a fascist,” he stated in an interview on France Bleu Roussillon. This phrase resonates as a rallying cry for democrats who fear an authoritarian drift of dematerialized public spaces.
A symbolic but significant departure
By describing his act as a “mini drop in an immense ocean,” Garcia emphasizes that his departure is more than just a reluctance to use a social network; it is a statement of principle. “I want to look at myself in the mirror and say that I did not participate in this,” he continues, revealing a deep need for personal integrity. This gesture aims not only to distance himself from a platform he considers toxic but also to challenge other actors in politics and civil society.
A wave of defections among public figures
Garcia’s departure is part of a broader trend: several personalities, institutions, and media outlets are also choosing to jump ship. Iconic figures such as Alyssa Milano, Stephen King, and Guillermo del Toro have taken similar actions, reminding everyone that ethics must prevail in the use of digital tools. Simultaneously, renowned newspapers such as La Vanguardia and The Guardian have ceased their publications on this platform, denouncing the pervasive misinformation. The universities of Lorraine and Strasbourg, as well as the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, have also withdrawn, thus affirming their refusal to endorse a digital ecosystem they deem harmful.
Consequences for democracy
These individual and collective decisions raise fundamental questions about the future of democracy in the digital age. Musk, who became a minister under the presidency of Donald Trump, is perceived by many as a symbol of a drift that could tarnish the autonomy of social platforms. By accusing them of not sufficiently moderating content, these defections aim to raise awareness of the need for a stricter regulatory framework in order to preserve the quality of public exchanges online.
A call to collective action
Nicolas Garcia’s departure is a call to action for all those who share his concerns. He urges his elected colleagues and civil society to reflect on the implications of their presence on these platforms. Through his gesture, Garcia advocates for a more transparent and respectful digital space, a place where democratic voices can express themselves without fear of manipulation or repression.
As the media storm surrounding X continues to grow, this departure raises questions about our commitment to social networks whose governance remains more contested than ever. This context prompts us to reflect on the values that should be paramount for the digital future of our society.
