The contagious nodular dermatosis (CND), a disease primarily affecting cattle, has sparked heated debates on the social network X. A recent study by Agoratlas reveals that these discussions are largely dominated by conspiracy and far-right communities, relegating real farmers to the role of mere spectators. Through hundreds of thousands of messages, agricultural concerns become mixed with highly politicized critiques of the government and the European Union.
Areas of influence and dominant discourse
The analysis of discussions on X, which covered more than 500,000 tweets, highlights that most exchanges stem from groups historically anti-vaccine and skeptical of the European Union. These spheres of influence, such as supporters of the Reconquête party, play a central role. Their members actively interact with each other, thereby shaping the narrative around agricultural issues while ensuring the imposition of their own themes.
The silence of farmers
A striking finding of the study is the notable absence of real farmers in these noisy debates. Although their sector is at the heart of discussions, farmers’ accounts are largely in the minority and often found within more institutional communities, particularly alongside media and political figures. This distancing from real farmers raises questions about their representation and their ability to make themselves heard amid this tumult.
Mobilization and criticism of authorities
The messages from far-right and sovereignist movements focus mainly on virulent criticisms of the government, which they accuse of practicing state violence against farmers. These groups contrast the situation of farmers with other categories deemed privileged, calling for mobilization on issues such as the agreement with Mercosur.
Coordinated propagation of messages
Another worrying dimension revealed by the study is the recurrence of identically shared content, often issued by a limited number of accounts. This suggests coordinated actions aimed at amplifying certain critical messages towards the government. For example, a low-profile account managed to post several hundred similar tweets centered on calls for the impeachment of Emmanuel Macron, thus demonstrating a systematic communication strategy.
The left absent from the debate
Another important observation is the near-total absence of the left in these exchanges. Although a few left-wing political figures attempt to lend their voice, their impact is marginal compared to the energetic dynamics of right-wing and far-right groups. Left-wing messages, often issued in an official framework, lack the vital community dynamics, limiting their reach and engagement with users of the social network.
A debate disconnected from real agricultural issues
In sum, the debates on X regarding contagious nodular dermatosis appear as a distorted mirror of political and ideological struggles. The genuine concerns of farmers seem drowned in a flood of protests that extend beyond the simple agricultural framework, transforming the issue of CND into an instrument for broader critiques of the government and the European Union. This trend highlights the necessity to restore an authentic dialogue between farmers and the platforms used to discuss their concerns.
