Scholz slams Musk for using social media power to support far-right

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Elon Musk for using his media influence to interfere in global affairs and support far-right movements, expressing concern over its impact on democracy in Europe.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued sharp criticism of businessman Elon Musk, accusing the tech mogul of leveraging his social media influence to meddle in global affairs and back far-right movements, Anadolu Agency reports.

In an interview with Anadolu ahead of Germany's early elections on February 23, Scholz expressed significant concerns about Musk’s impact on democratic processes in Europe.

“I met with Mr. Musk a long time ago. When he inaugurated his factory in Brandenburg, we had a conversation. Later we had another phone conversation, which was also about his business interests,” Scholz noted.

“However, he has recently started using his newly acquired media power to interfere all over the world,” Scholz said, referring to Musk's prominent political activities in the US, Britain, Germany, and beyond.

The German chancellor, who is seeking a second term as the Social Democratic Party (SPD) candidate, referenced historical examples to underscore his concerns about Musk’s influence.

"I'm familiar with interventions from powerful media entrepreneurs -- they often don’t do it on the side of my party, the Social Democrats. This is something we’ve been witnessing since the 19th century,” he explained.

Scholz emphasized his concern about the backing of far-right parties, highlighting the threat it poses to democracy and unity in Europe, and made it clear that he strongly opposes such support and will remain vocal in his criticism.

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