Paris Mayor abandons Twitter, citing it as a 'gigantic global sewer'

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has announced her departure from the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, labelling it a "gigantic global sewer" that is "destroying our democracies" through the proliferation of abuse and misinformation. This move follows Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022, which resulted in significant layoffs, particularly affecting content moderation staff. The rebranded platform, X, has faced criticism from major advertisers and even the White House for its perceived inadequacies in addressing antisemitism.

Hidalgo, in extensive posts in both English and French, accused the platform and its owner of intentionally fueling tensions and conflicts. She highlighted issues such as manipulation, disinformation, antisemitism, and attacks on scientists, climatologists, women, and liberals. The Paris Mayor, known for her campaign to transform the city into a cycling capital, has faced mixed reactions on social media over the years. Some users have criticized the seemingly unending construction and visually unappealing worksites under the hashtag #SaccageParis (WreckParis).



Describing the platform as a "gigantic global sewer," Hidalgo questioned the wisdom of continuing to engage with it. The Socialist politician, who secured 1.7% of the vote in her unsuccessful 2022 French presidential bid, firmly rejected endorsing what she termed as an "evil scheme."

Hidalgo has recently faced backlash for a trip to the French island of Tahiti, ostensibly to inspect a 2024 Olympics surfing site. However, critics argue that the visit did not fall under her official duties and was primarily to see her daughter, who resides on the island. The hashtag #TahitiGate trended among X users and opposition politicians, condemning her for the partially taxpayer-funded trip.

The decision by Mayor Hidalgo to disassociate from X underscores the growing concerns over the platform's role in perpetuating discord and misinformation. As debates surrounding online platforms' responsibility continue, Hidalgo's departure reflects a broader conversation about the impact of social media on democratic societies.