Germany's Scholz Condemns Musk's Behavior, Emphasizes Boundaries of Free Expression
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discusses Elon Musk's contentious behavior and statements, highlighting the refusal of far-right ideologies.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted on Tuesday that freedom of speech in Germany and Europe does not include support for far-right ideologies.
His remarks, delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, came a day after a gesture by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk at an event commemorating Donald Trump's inauguration stirred controversy.
The gesture led to online comparisons to a Nazi salute, an accusation Musk dismissed as an 'overused' critique.
In reply to Scholz’s statements, Musk shared a disparaging comment on X, the platform he owns, mocking the German chancellor.
Musk has previously lambasted Scholz as an 'incompetent fool' and has frequently expressed support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The AfD, which shares close ties with Trump-aligned politics, is drawing attention as Germany’s upcoming elections approach next month.
Musk’s recent actions, including hosting AfD leader Alice Weidel on X for a discussion, have come under scrutiny from the European Commission.
The Commission announced it is ramping up its investigation into whether X has breached European Union rules on content moderation, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation.
Amid rising tensions, the German government has not reached a unanimous decision on whether to leave the platform.
Nevertheless, Musk’s endorsements of the AfD and his critiques of German leadership have heightened concerns in Berlin about the platform’s role in fostering divisive rhetoric.
His remarks, delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, came a day after a gesture by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk at an event commemorating Donald Trump's inauguration stirred controversy.
The gesture led to online comparisons to a Nazi salute, an accusation Musk dismissed as an 'overused' critique.
In reply to Scholz’s statements, Musk shared a disparaging comment on X, the platform he owns, mocking the German chancellor.
Musk has previously lambasted Scholz as an 'incompetent fool' and has frequently expressed support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The AfD, which shares close ties with Trump-aligned politics, is drawing attention as Germany’s upcoming elections approach next month.
Musk’s recent actions, including hosting AfD leader Alice Weidel on X for a discussion, have come under scrutiny from the European Commission.
The Commission announced it is ramping up its investigation into whether X has breached European Union rules on content moderation, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation.
Amid rising tensions, the German government has not reached a unanimous decision on whether to leave the platform.
Nevertheless, Musk’s endorsements of the AfD and his critiques of German leadership have heightened concerns in Berlin about the platform’s role in fostering divisive rhetoric.
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