Germany's Scholz Condemns Musk's Actions, Emphasizes Boundaries of Free Speech
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz comments on Elon Musk's provocative actions and statements, stressing the dismissal of far-right ideologies.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked on Tuesday that free speech in Germany and Europe does not encompass support for extreme-right ideologies.
His statements, delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, followed a day after an incident involving U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, which caused a stir at an event celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration.
The gesture sparked online comparisons to a Nazi salute, which Musk dismissed as a repetitive accusation.
In reaction to Scholz’s comments, Musk mocked the German leader with a derogatory remark on X, the platform he owns.
Musk has previously criticized Scholz, labeling him an 'incompetent fool,' and has repeatedly expressed support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
As Germany's upcoming elections draw near, the AfD, which shares close affiliations with Trump-aligned politics, is gaining attention.
Musk’s recent activities, including hosting AfD leader Alice Weidel on X for a discussion, have drawn scrutiny from the European Commission.
The Commission announced plans to step up its investigation into whether X has breached European Union regulations on content moderation, especially concerning the spread of misinformation.
Despite the escalating tensions, the German government has not reached a consensus on leaving the platform.
However, Musk’s backing of the AfD and his critiques of German leadership have heightened worries in Berlin about the platform’s role in fostering divisive discourse.
His statements, delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, followed a day after an incident involving U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, which caused a stir at an event celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration.
The gesture sparked online comparisons to a Nazi salute, which Musk dismissed as a repetitive accusation.
In reaction to Scholz’s comments, Musk mocked the German leader with a derogatory remark on X, the platform he owns.
Musk has previously criticized Scholz, labeling him an 'incompetent fool,' and has repeatedly expressed support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
As Germany's upcoming elections draw near, the AfD, which shares close affiliations with Trump-aligned politics, is gaining attention.
Musk’s recent activities, including hosting AfD leader Alice Weidel on X for a discussion, have drawn scrutiny from the European Commission.
The Commission announced plans to step up its investigation into whether X has breached European Union regulations on content moderation, especially concerning the spread of misinformation.
Despite the escalating tensions, the German government has not reached a consensus on leaving the platform.
However, Musk’s backing of the AfD and his critiques of German leadership have heightened worries in Berlin about the platform’s role in fostering divisive discourse.
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