By Canadian Press

Opposition criticizes Montreal mayor for blocking comments on social media accounts

Sep 10, 2024 | 11:40 AM

MONTREAL — Montreal’s Opposition leader is criticizing Mayor Valérie Plante for restricting access to her social media accounts.

Aref Salem says Plante and her party, Projet Montréal, are limiting Montrealers’ freedom of expression by blocking comments on social media platforms X and Instagram.

He says social media is one of the only ways for citizens to interact with the mayor, and restricting comments is undemocratic.

The X accounts of Plante and Projet Montréal restrict who can leave comments, while comments on Plante’s Instagram posts are limited and it’s not possible to tag her in an Instagram story.

Salem says there’s no point in politicians being on social media if they limit their interactions with constituents.

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His party, Ensemble Montréal, says there are other ways to reduce online harassment, including by blocking or reporting individual accounts.

Requests for comments from the Plante administration were not immediately returned.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2024.

The Canadian Press