This is the first museum in France to leave X and display it. The Caen Memorial, one of the most important centers on the Second World War which received 475,000 visitors in 2024, announced on January 6 that it would no longer publish on the microblogging network belonging to Elon Musk. The account has also been deleted. The general director of the Memorial, Kléber Arhoul, explains the reasons for this choice.
Why did you decide to leave X?
First of all, it is a carefully considered decision. I observed Elon Musk’s speeches in recent weeks and how the use of world.
And this political project is the opposite of the cultural project and the values of tolerance, democracy and sharing of the history of the Caen Memorial. Here we tell the story of the 20th century, deeply marked by these currents which crossed Europe and the world. We know where these nationalist and identity politics lead. We talk about wars to think about the conditions of peace. This is how its founder wanted it.
What dangers represent Elon Musk and his social network X?
I don’t take a position, I defend the Memorial. My project is to disseminate knowledge, to transmit knowledge of the past to as many people as possible, to defend the values of democracy, tolerance, respect and otherness. And I see that Mr. Elon Musk relies on the past to ignite the present. I rely on the past to understand the present.
I was deeply shocked as a European citizen that someone could insult the German Chancellor [en décembre, Elon Musk a traité Olaf Scholz « d’imbécile incompétent », et affiché son soutien à l’AfD, le parti d’extrême droite allemand] or even the British Prime Minister. Through X, there is today massive disinformation with algorithm systems that partition public and private spaces.
Yes, I’m leaving X, but I want to continue the debate. I invite Mr. Elon Musk to come to the Caen Memorial, to come to Normandy, where Alexis de Tocqueville, author, was born Democracy in Americato discuss democracy as a modern idea. It’s ultimately easy to leave X, formerly Twitter, and produce beautiful press releases, but we have to go much further.
Your decision is also commented on on X. Are you afraid of hateful reactions?
Yes, I know there is hatred. You know, I’m lucky enough to have professional experience, so I know how to sort things out, nothing shakes me, nothing worries me. You must have the courage to defend your principles. My decision opened the way to a debate and it is already a great victory.
