Fatou does not agree with a decision of the mayor of her town. She writes on the internet that this decision is bad. What does the law say?

On exam day, in French

Fatou n’est pas d’accord avec une décision du maire de sa ville. Elle écrit sur internet que cette décision est mauvaise. Que dit la loi ?

• AElle risque une sanction : critiquer un élu est interdit.She risks a penalty: criticising an elected official is forbidden.
• BElle doit d’abord demander l’accord de la mairie.She must first ask the town hall for permission.
• CElle peut le faire seulement pendant les élections.She can do it only during elections.
• DElle a le droit d’écrire et de publier son opinion.She has the right to write and publish her opinion.Correct answer

Explanation

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. She risks a penalty: criticising an elected official is forbidden. — Expressing an opinion is a freedom of every person. Saying that you do not agree with a decision is an opinion.
• B. She must first ask the town hall for permission. — Everyone can speak, write and publish freely. Fatou does not have to ask the town hall for permission.
• C. She can do it only during elections. — Freedom of expression does not depend on elections: everyone can speak, write and publish freely.

Principle at stake: Freedom of expression — Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789

French words to remember

• liberté d'expressionfreedom of expression
• mairemayor
• opinionopinion