Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been making headlines recently for his controversial comments and actions targeting European leaders. Musk’s incendiary interventions have caused a stir among governments in Europe, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer among those feeling the heat.
Chancellor Scholz has taken a “cool” approach to Musk’s critical personal comments but expressed concern over the billionaire’s involvement in Germany’s election by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Similarly, Prime Minister Starmer condemned the “lies and misinformation” spread by Musk that are undermining democracy in the UK.
Musk’s recent social media posts about a child sexual abuse case in northern England have further fueled controversy. He called for a new public inquiry into the cases and criticized Starmer for allegedly failing to bring perpetrators to justice during his tenure as England’s director of public prosecutions. Starmer defended his record, stating that he had taken steps to address child sexual exploitation.
Additionally, Musk has advocated for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, currently serving a prison sentence for contempt of court. Starmer criticized Musk’s support for Robinson, highlighting the dangerous influence of figures like Robinson in promoting street violence.
French President Emmanuel Macron has framed Musk’s influence as a challenge to Europe’s democratic values, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience against external disruptions. Macron warned of the risks posed by tech billionaires like Musk intervening in elections and destabilizing democratic institutions.
Overall, Musk’s involvement in European politics has raised concerns among leaders who see his actions as a threat to democracy and societal harmony. The growing influence of tech billionaires like Musk in political matters has sparked debates about the limits of free speech and the potential impact on democratic processes in Europe.
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Video “Elon Musk goes after European leaders: Will they push back? | DW News Desk” was uploaded on 01/09/2025 to Youtube Channel DW News