Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday, December 2, during a council of ministers that he has never considered creating a 'state label' for media or a 'ministry of truth,' as accused by Vincent Bolloré's media outlets and right- and far-right figures. The president emphasizes that such initiatives come from media professionals, not the state. Petitions launched by Bruno Retailleau and Éric Ciotti denounce a liberticidal drift.
On December 2, 2025, during the council of ministers, Emmanuel Macron firmly denied accusations from Vincent Bolloré's media outlets and right- and far-right figures. 'It is not, and will never be the role [of the state] to create a label for the press,' he stated, according to government spokesperson Maud Bregeon. She added that the president 'has never claimed that and has never made those statements.'
The debate concerns social media regulation and fighting disinformation. On November 19 in Arras, before La Voix du Nord readers, Macron mentioned a 'label' carried 'by media professionals' to distinguish information sites from commercial platforms based on personalized advertising. He clarified it was not the government's role to define what is information, citing Reporters Without Borders' Journalism Trust Initiative. In Mirecourt, Vosges, he proposed a summary judicial action to quickly block false information.
These statements sparked controversy. The Journal du Dimanche, owned by Vincent Bolloré, accused the president of a 'totalitarian drift' and a 'temptation for a ministry of truth,' referencing George Orwell's 1984. Jordan Bardella, Rassemblement National president, called it an 'authoritarian temptation.' Marine Le Pen deemed media labeling 'extremely dangerous.'
Bruno Retailleau, Republicans leader, and Éric Ciotti launched petitions on Tuesday against a supposed 'state label.' Retailleau's denounces a 'dangerous drift' and an 'offensive against media displeasing to the progressive dogma.' Ciotti describes it as a 'major illiberal drift' threatening press freedom. The Élysée responded on X, regretting that 'talking about fighting disinformation causes disinformation.'
Macron personally mentioned false information about himself and his wife Brigitte, highlighting helplessness against such campaigns. Press law expert Christophe Bigot considers such measures 'neither desirable, practicable, nor useful.' This controversy fits into a broader debate on freedom of expression and social media algorithm regulation, which Macron likens to the 'Wild West' rather than 'free speech.'
The label idea stems from the 2024 États Généraux de l'Information, recommending professionals strengthen public trust.