The Big Picture
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called Elon Musk’s public support for far-right politics in Europe “completely unacceptable.” Scholz criticized Musk’s interventions in the German election campaign and broader European politics, expressing concerns about their potential to harm democratic values.
What Happened
Musk’s Involvement: Over the past month, Musk has voiced support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, claiming it is the only group capable of “saving Germany.”
Amplifying Far-Right Voices: Musk recently live-streamed a conversation on his platform, X (formerly Twitter), with Alice Weidel, the AfD's candidate for chancellor, ahead of Germany's February 2023 election.
Wider Political Interference: Beyond Germany, Musk has defended controversial figures such as U.K. anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson and called British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government “tyrannical.”
Chancellor Scholz’s Response
Scholz emphasized that foreign billionaires should not shape Germany’s future, stating, “Our way forward will be decided by German voters, not social media owners.”
He urged focus on criticizing the substance of Musk’s statements, highlighting the tech billionaire’s consistent endorsement of far-right movements across Europe as a serious threat to democracy.
Broader Political Context
AfD’s Rise: Polls place the AfD in second place with around 20% support. However, their chances of forming a government remain slim as other parties refuse to collaborate with them.
Opposition Leader’s Critique: Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Union bloc and the frontrunner to become the next German chancellor, also rejected Musk’s endorsement of AfD.
Why It Matters?
Musk’s involvement in European politics has raised alarms among leaders concerned about preserving democratic institutions. Scholz’s comments reflect a growing unease about the influence of global tech billionaires on local and regional governance.
Key Takeaway
Elon Musk’s support for far-right movements is sparking backlash across Europe, with leaders like Olaf Scholz warning of the dangers to democratic development. The upcoming German election will serve as a litmus test for these concerns.
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