As Musk navigates political waters, European governments push back against his perceived interference.
Elon Musk's Influence Ignites Controversy in European Politics
Elon Musk's Influence Ignites Controversy in European Politics
The tech billionaire's outbursts raise concerns among European leaders ahead of 2024 elections.
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has recently come under fire from various European leaders following his provocative social media posts directed at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom he derogatorily referred to as an "incompetent fool." With national elections looming in Germany on February 23, his decision to host Alice Weidel, head of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has caused politicians to voice alarm over potential meddling in their domestic politics.
Responding to Musk's antagonistic engagement, Scholz emphasized the need to remain composed and not to feed "the troll." French President Emmanuel Macron expressed disbelief at the significant influence Musk, an owner of one of the world's largest social media platforms, has on political discourse in Europe, particularly highlighting his support for right-wing movements.
European leaders have joined forces in their criticism of Musk's involvement, with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre referring to it as "worrying" and warning of the implications brought on by someone with immense resources participating in internal affairs of other countries. Meanwhile, Spain urged X to maintain an "absolute neutrality" and refrain from political interference.
Musk was recently vocal about crime statistics in Norway and Spain, associating these with immigration, and has taken jabs at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding issues of grooming gangs and child exploitation. While some leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni have embraced Musk, praising him as an "extraordinary innovator", many others remain wary of his influence.
As Musk’s support for the AfD grows, this political involvement has sparked further anxiety in Germany where the security services have classified the party's actions as either extremist or suspicious. Scholz's counterpart in the Green party, Robert Habeck, bluntly urged Musk to "hands off our democracy."
The EU’s Digital Services rules do not explicitly prohibit Musk's planned live stream with Weidel; however, Thierry Breton from the European Commission warned that it could significantly benefit the AfD in the electoral race. Additionally, tensions are flaring over potential business dealings as Italy considers a $1.6 billion agreement with Musk’s SpaceX for secure internet services, raising red flags within Rome's opposition, who express skepticism over entrusting such responsibilities to a man perceived as fostering political chaos.
Responding to Musk's antagonistic engagement, Scholz emphasized the need to remain composed and not to feed "the troll." French President Emmanuel Macron expressed disbelief at the significant influence Musk, an owner of one of the world's largest social media platforms, has on political discourse in Europe, particularly highlighting his support for right-wing movements.
European leaders have joined forces in their criticism of Musk's involvement, with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre referring to it as "worrying" and warning of the implications brought on by someone with immense resources participating in internal affairs of other countries. Meanwhile, Spain urged X to maintain an "absolute neutrality" and refrain from political interference.
Musk was recently vocal about crime statistics in Norway and Spain, associating these with immigration, and has taken jabs at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding issues of grooming gangs and child exploitation. While some leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni have embraced Musk, praising him as an "extraordinary innovator", many others remain wary of his influence.
As Musk’s support for the AfD grows, this political involvement has sparked further anxiety in Germany where the security services have classified the party's actions as either extremist or suspicious. Scholz's counterpart in the Green party, Robert Habeck, bluntly urged Musk to "hands off our democracy."
The EU’s Digital Services rules do not explicitly prohibit Musk's planned live stream with Weidel; however, Thierry Breton from the European Commission warned that it could significantly benefit the AfD in the electoral race. Additionally, tensions are flaring over potential business dealings as Italy considers a $1.6 billion agreement with Musk’s SpaceX for secure internet services, raising red flags within Rome's opposition, who express skepticism over entrusting such responsibilities to a man perceived as fostering political chaos.
