UN chief calls for immediate ceasefire amid Gaza humanitarian crisis
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday warned that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical level and called fo...
Over the past two months, tech billionaire Elon Musk has increasingly promoted far-right political causes in Europe, notably lending his support to Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
In at least two dozen posts on his social media platform X, Musk hailed the party as Germany’s “only hope” and even interviewed its leader, a move that has attracted significant attention.
A review of Musk’s posts and polling data indicates that his support had little measurable impact on the AfD’s second-place finish in the February 23 election. Political analysts suggest that while Musk’s endorsements may have enhanced the party’s appeal among younger voters, local factors—such as recent violent incidents and long-standing political dynamics—played a more decisive role.
Analysts note that Musk’s far-right activism appears to be part of a broader strategy. Beyond influencing political discourse, he may be seeking to back political forces that favor a reduction in regulations he considers hindering technological innovation. However, his public political stance has come at a cost to his flagship company. Recent data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association and surveys by an electric vehicle review website reveal that Tesla’s sales in Europe have been impacted, with some potential buyers indicating they would avoid Tesla because of Musk’s political positions.
Martin Fassnacht, chair of strategy and marketing at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, remarked that while Musk may have made the AfD appear “cooler” to some voters, his influence on overall election outcomes remains limited. Yet the market impact is evident; Tesla’s European sales have fallen by over 10% in recent reports, and anti-Tesla campaigns have emerged on social media.
Musk has extended his support beyond Germany, promoting right-wing figures in Britain, Italy, and Romania while frequently criticizing European political leaders and regulatory bodies. His actions have intensified debate over the role of social media in shaping political discourse across the continent.
Both Musk and Tesla have declined to comment on the broader implications of his political endorsements. As European consumers and policymakers continue to grapple with the intersection of politics and technology, the long-term effects on Tesla’s brand and market performance remain uncertain.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s Tokara Islands on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued but residents advised to remain vigilant.
The United States has rescinded licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing shipments to resume after a temporary halt and signalling progress in efforts to ease recent trade tensions.
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China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
At least seven people remain missing following a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the town of Esparto, Northern California, according to a report by NBC News citing local officials.
A delegation from Azerbaijan, led by MP Qaya Məmmədov, took part in the annual session of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), held from 28 June to 3 July in Porto, Portugal.
Chinese scientists have unveiled PlantGPT, the first large language model-based artificial intelligence designed specifically for plant functional genomics.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday warned that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical level and called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. He emphasised that vital infrastructure is on the verge of collapse due to a severe fuel shortage.
The US House of Representatives approved a significant tax-cut and spending bill on Thursday, passing it by a narrow margin of 218 to 214. The legislation has now been sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
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