Elon Musk, the influential billionaire behind Tesla and X, has stirred up political tension in Europe by endorsing Germany’s anti-globalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
On December 20, Musk shared a video from right-wing, anti-globaalist fluencer Naomi Seibt on X, captioning it, “Only AfD can save Germany.” His comments came just weeks before Germany’s elections and amidst the aftermath of the attack in Magdeburg.
Former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton didn’t hold back, labeling Musk’s actions as foreign interference. “Isn’t this the very definition of foreign interference?” Breton questioned on December 21, urging the strict application of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Breton emphasized the need to end double standards and warned Musk about potential sanctions for spreading harmful content.
Dirk Wiese, a senior Social Democrat in Germany’s coalition government, joined the fray. He called for anti-trust measures targeting Musk’s business empire, suggesting a modern version of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to dismantle monopolistic practices. “It’s high time to push ahead with this,” Wiese argued.
Musk’s backing of the AfD aligns with his recent support for other populist-right figures, like Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UK politician Nigel Farage. Farage hinted Musk might even fund his party after meeting him in the US.
Critics worry Musk’s actions undermine democratic norms, though some defend his comments as free speech. Meanwhile, the EU faces increasing tension between regulating big tech under the DSA and dealing with Musk’s growing influence.
Adding fuel to the fire, MEP Fidias Panayitou criticized EU leaders for stifling dissent, pointing to what he called double standards, including the canceled presidential elections in Romania.
This clash between Musk, European regulators, and political leaders highlights the delicate balance between free speech, democratic values, and the regulation of global tech giants.
