In brief
As Elon Musk’s influence in European politics grows, leaders are increasingly voicing concerns over his interference in national affairs, notably condemning his support for far-right groups.
Few figures have faced the wrath of their nations' leaders like Elon Musk, CEO of X. His recent attacks on Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, branding him an “incompetent fool” and suggesting his resignation, have sparked outrage. On a planned event this Thursday, Musk will host Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is currently polling second ahead of the February 23 federal elections. Scholz's response? “You have to stay cool; don’t feed the troll.” While some European leaders, like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, align with Musk, many others find his involvement in their domestic politics troubling, particularly as he prepares to advise incoming US President Donald Trump. Musk’s controversial posts have prompted protests from at least four European governments within a day. France's Emmanuel Macron expressed disbelief, questioning how the owner of a major social network could back a reactionary movement and directly meddle in elections.Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store voiced concern over Musk’s significant influence on internal affairs, while Spain’s Pilar Alegría called for complete neutrality from digital platforms like X. Musk’s incendiary remarks, including linking crime statistics to immigration in Norway and Spain and casting blame for a tragic Christmas market attack in Germany on “mass unchecked immigration,” have intensified global scrutiny.UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also faced Musk’s ire over topics related to grooming gangs, suggesting that those disseminating misinformation have their interests at heart rather than genuine concern for victims. In contrast, Italy’s Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orban have bonded with Musk, praising him as an exceptional innovator. Musk's engagement in German politics has reached a peak given the upcoming elections; he has stated that the AfD represents “the last spark of hope” for Germany and criticized mainstream perceptions of the party. The AfD is considered extremist by German security services, and the political establishment has reacted harshly, with Green Party candidate Robert Habeck urging Musk to “Hands off our democracy.”Liberal politician Christian Lindner has raised alarms over Musk potentially undermining Germany’s political stability for US interests. Meanwhile, Thierry Breton from the European Commission warned Weidel of the undue advantages of Musk’s platform.Although the EU insists current digital service rules do not prevent live streams of political discussions, there are rising concerns regarding preferential treatment on platforms like X, which is under scrutiny amid various investigations. As Musk navigates complex political waters, he’s simultaneously expanding business interests in Italy, debating a multi-billion dollar deal with SpaceX for secure satellite services amidst rising opposition fears.Critics in Italy, like Nicola Calenda, have echoed the sentiment that entrusting vital communications to Musk—while he is fueling far-right sentiments across Europe—is not a viable option.
