Ursula von der Leyen's Controversial Views on Free Speech and Disinformation
EU President Likens Free Speech to Infectious Disease 🔗
Ursula von der Leyen, the EU President, has controversially likened free speech to an infectious disease, advocating for "pre-bunking" to protect citizens from "disinformation." Critics argue that her approach promotes censorship and undermines the evolution of knowledge, as true understanding emerges through open discussion and the challenging of established ideas. They assert that no entity can claim absolute truth and that suppressing free speech hinders learning and discovery. Furthermore, von der Leyen's past actions, particularly regarding the procurement of vaccines, have raised suspicions about her integrity and motivations, leading to calls for her removal from office.
What is Ursula von der Leyen's stance on free speech?
Ursula von der Leyen believes that free speech needs to be controlled to protect citizens from "disinformation," comparing it to an infectious disease.
Why do critics oppose her views?
Critics argue that her stance promotes censorship, hinders the evolution of knowledge, and that no one can claim to possess absolute truth, which is essential for learning and discovery.
What past actions of von der Leyen have raised concerns?
Her secret negotiations with Pfizer for vaccine procurement and her current criminal investigation related to that deal have led to suspicions about her integrity.