
Elon Musk’s interference in national debates angers Europe
Several European leaders have directly or indirectly criticized the actions of the owner of the social network X, Elon Musk.
The flames are burning between Europe and the world’s richest man. Several European leaders have accused Elon Musk of meddling in national debates. The French president, the German chancellor, the British prime minister, and the Spanish head of government have denounced the outbursts of the American billionaire on his social network X, formerly known as Twitter.
The French leader accused Elon Musk, without naming him, of supporting “a new reactionary international.” “Ten years ago, if someone had told us that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new reactionary international and directly interfere in elections, even in Germany, who would have imagined it?” the French president remarked.
His Spanish counterpart echoed this sentiment. “The reactionary international, as President Macron called it, led by the richest man on the planet, is openly attacking our institutions, inciting hatred, and openly calling for support for the heirs of Nazism in Germany in the upcoming elections,” Pedro Sánchez warned.
In recent weeks, Elon Musk has made a series of shocking statements. The billionaire and close friend of Donald Trump called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz a “stupid incompetent” following the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg. The Tesla owner also accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of negligence during his tenure as a prosecutor in the 1990s concerning the sexual exploitation of over 1,500 underage girls by men of Pakistani origin.
Berlin and London respond
Berlin condemned the billionaire’s “erratic statements,” while London denounced “those who spread lies and disinformation.” Musk’s interference has taken a new turn amid Germany’s electoral campaign. On Thursday, he is set to broadcast a live interview on X with the co-leader of the far-right German party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), which he openly supports.
Eyes on the European Union
EU member states are now turning their attention to the European Commission. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called on the Commission to intervene “with the utmost firmness.” The French diplomat has not ruled out a potential ban of the social network X in Europe, similar to measures taken in Brazil. “Our laws provide for it,” he stated.
The European Commission has been investigating the social network since 2023 under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Damian Boeselager, a Green MEP, questioned the European Commission about Elon Musk’s actions and the legality of his interventions.
“If there is a violation of the DSA, I would like to see a swift reaction. So, simply put, if Elon Musk increases his influence and uses it to endorse voters for a party, the AfD, in the German elections, and this is illegal under DSA rules, it would require rapid action,” insists Boeselager. The European Commission emphasizes that freedom of expression is at the core of European regulations.
However, the EU may act through another channel in this case. “Through algorithms, it is possible to favor a particular type of narrative. A certain type of content can be promoted, and another type can be suppressed,” explains Thomas Regnier, a spokesperson for the European Commission.
“We have made it clear that such a live broadcast is not, in principle, prohibited by the DSA. However, the extent to which it is or could be amplified is what the European Commission will examine,” he adds.
A meeting is scheduled for January 24 between members of the European Commission, the German regulator, and representatives of major digital platforms, including X, with the aim of preventing interference during the German elections scheduled for late February.