Donald Trump’s party will have to “take responsibility” for the comments of billionaire Elon Musk, close to the American president-elect, if his support for the European hard right proves sincere, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs declared on Sunday. Jean-Noël Barrot also questioned the role of social networks in public debate.
KEYSTONE
Elon Musk, who amplified Donald Trump’s virulent anti-migrant rhetoric during the American presidential campaign, notably called for new elections in the United Kingdom and supported the German far-right AfD party.
He also, among other things, displayed his enthusiasm for the head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni, the country’s most right-wing leader since 1945, who considers him a “genius”. The Italian Prime Minister was also received this weekend at Mar-a-Lago by Donald Trump. The president-elect called it “fantastic” according to American journalists present.
“Either it is a communication exercise which disrupts an electoral process a little, particularly in Germany, and that is very regrettable,” commented the head of French diplomacy, Jean-Noël Barrot.
“Either it is an assumed choice, particularly with regard to the AfD, which is an ultra-right party which flirts with neo-Nazi ideas. And then, the Republican Party will have to (…) assume responsibility for linking its destiny with that of a party which represents everything that the Republican Party has always fought for,” added the French minister on Sunday.
Farage let go
The same day on his social network -Lago. His party, Reform UK, should change its leader, he said. And added that “Farage doesn’t have what it takes.”
The owner of the X network has increased his comments in recent days on British politics, repeatedly attacking the government of Labor Keir Starmer. The American called for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whom Farage considers “not good for Reform”.
Elon Musk, 53, who has no official role in the future Trump government but has been tasked with a mission to reduce public spending, has more than 200 million subscribers on his X network.
“Instrumentalized” social networks
In this regard, Jean-Noël Barrot denounced the growing role of social networks in the international political debate.
“Democracy is a fragile treasure,” he said.
“We cannot accept (…) that the electoral debate is relocated to social media platforms whose rules are set by American or Chinese billionaires and which are used by the enemies of democracy to weaken us.”
He recalled that the European Union had already taken important measures against disinformation disseminated on these platforms, hoping that they would be applied.
“I appeal, but very solemnly, to the European Commission so that its hand does not tremble and so that it enforces (them) very firmly,” declared Mr. Barrot.
“There are investigations that have been opened on X and on TikTok. They must now succeed (…). If it is proven that these platforms have led to the manipulation of public debate, sanctions must be taken and applied firmly.”
