Elon Musk Backs Far-Right AfD in Live-Streamed Discussion Ahead of German Elections
Elon Musk endorses the far-right Alternative for Germany party during a live-streamed chat, raising concerns about foreign influence on Germany's election.
Politics
Reliable
Summary
Tech billionaire Elon Musk hosted a live chat with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's AfD, endorsing her as a candidate for chancellor. Critics claim Musk's actions could influence the upcoming elections on Feb. 23, as the AfD faces scrutiny as a suspected extremist group. The event has sparked international condemnation, emphasizing concerns over misinformation and interference in European politics. Despite gaining public support, other parties refuse to coalition with AfD, complicating its prospects ahead of the elections. Questions arise regarding Musk's role and the potential regulatory consequences for his platform X.
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From the Left
Elon Musk accused of lying about EU censorship regarding his interview with German far-right party leader Alice Weidel.
Former EU commissioner Thierry Breton defends the EU's stance on regulating content, emphasizing that freedom of speech has its limits and must not facilitate hate speech or misinformation.
Breton highlights the responsibility of tech companies like X under the Digital Services Act, stating that while freedom of speech is important, it must operate within laws that ban dangerous speech.
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From the Right
Elon Musk is actively supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany party by hosting a live-streamed chat with its co-leader, Alice Weidel, highlighting the party's controversial views before the national election.
Critics in Europe are concerned about Musk's influence on political discourse, specifically in relation to election-related misinformation and potential meddling in democratic processes.
Musk's statements and actions, including his backing of the AfD and criticism of incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reflect growing political engagement among tech billionaires and raise alarms about their power to shape political narratives.
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Highlights (8)
Musk was doubling down on his endorsement last month of the anti-immigration, anti-Islamic party labeled as right-wing-extremist by German security services, which has caused consternation in Berlin and accusations of undue influence.
Elon Musk doubles down on endorsement of far-right German party in conversation on X
USA TODAY
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Musk on Thursday, saying, “I do not see this danger to democracy. Elon Musk is a very well-known and wealthy person who expresses his ideas.”
Elon Musk hosts leader of Germany’s far-right AfD on X ahead of election
Al Jazeera
·Leans LeftThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Musk has been regularly commenting on German politics since last month, when he endorsed the AfD, which has been classified as rightwing extremist by German intelligence.
Elon Musk heaps praise on AfD’s Alice Weidel during live talk on X
The Guardian
·Leans LeftThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Musk's earlier endorsements of AfD, including tweets complimenting the party and an editorial in a German newspaper, have enraged European government officials.
Elon Musk promotes far-right Alternative for Germany candidate, hosts discussion on X
CNBC
·CenterThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Elon Musk held a live event on his social media platform X on Thursday with a leader of the German anti-immigrant, far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD), the latest step in the tech billionaire’s campaign to rally support behind reactionary candidates across Europe and North America.
Elon Musk boosts German anti-immigrant party with live event on X
NBC News
·CenterThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Musk has run into hot water among European leaders – particularly in the UK and Germany – for playing politics abroad as the world braces for Trump’s imminent return to the White House.
Musk urges Germans to vote for AfD in latest involvement in European politics
CNN
·Leans LeftThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Musk's forays into politics by the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive is raising alarm across Europe.
Elon Musk to host chat with German far-right leader, adding to fears of his political meddling
Associated Press
·CenterThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Musk’s online chat will be monitored by watchdogs from the European Commission, which has accused X of violating the 27-nation bloc’s sweeping digital rulebook for cleaning up social media platforms and protecting internet users from online harm.
Musk to Host Chat With German Far-Right Leader
Newsmax
·RightThe underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.Mixed Reliable