German leaders, led by the Chancellor Olaf Scholzreacted strongly on December 31 to the interference ofElon Musk in the German election campaign. In his New Year’s address, Scholz strongly reminded that it is citizens, and not the owners of social networks, who decide the outcome of elections.
The Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck also criticized the strategy of Muskaccusing him of deliberately seeking to weaken Europe to serve his own interests as well as those of the far right, for whom he has only positive words. This position comes in a context where the influence of the billionaire on the future Trump presidency is causing growing concern.
Manifest interference denounced by Olaf Scholz
Tensions intensified after the publication of an article in Welt where Musk describes the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as “last spark of hope” for the country. The billionaire continued his interventions on “epic victory” of the AfD, currently credited with 20.5% of voting intentions, and by describing the German president as “undemocratic tyrant”.
This situation provoked a reaction from the president Frank Walter Steinmeier, who denounced “external influence” as a danger for democracy, particularly pointing to activities on platform Musk in the German political debate raises questions about the influence of social networks in democratic processes.
Very important democratic issues
This confrontation highlights the challenges facing European democracies in the era of social networks, particularly in the face of the growing influence of large technological players in the political debate. The firm response from the German authorities demonstrates a desire to preserve the integrity of the democratic process in the face of external interference.
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