The German government has accused American billionaire Elon Musk of trying to influence the country’s election process because of his open support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. About this informs The Guardian.
Government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann said Musk’s posts on social media X, as well as his support for the AfD in an article last weekend, could be seen as an attempt to interfere in the federal election. She emphasized that freedom of speech applies to everyone, but questioned Musk’s arguments.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also responded to Musk’s actions, saying in his New Year’s address that Germany’s future will be determined by its citizens, not “social media owners.” Scholz emphasized that in the era of loud extreme opinions, the fate of the country will depend on the rationality of the majority.
Musk has repeatedly criticized the policy of the German government, and in November he called the chancellor a “fool”. His latest calls to support the AfD, which is under suspicion of having links to extremists, have sparked outrage. It also led to concerns about Musk’s possible influence on the political situation in Germany and the larger European economy.
