A spokesperson for the German government has accused billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk of attempting to influence the country’s upcoming elections, sparking a heated debate about the role of social media platforms and their powerful owners in political processes.
The allegations stem from Musk’s recent posts on X (formerly Twitter), a platform he owns, which included comments criticizing Germany’s immigration policies. Musk’s statements, widely circulated on X, appeared to question the sustainability of Germany’s approach to asylum seekers, with critics alleging that his remarks echoed talking points often associated with far-right political movements.
The German government spokesperson expressed concerns over Musk’s comments, describing them as an attempt to interfere in the democratic process. “It is troubling when individuals with significant influence on global communication channels use their platforms to amplify divisive narratives in a manner that could impact our elections,” the spokesperson said.
Elon Musk, known for his outspoken nature on social and political issues, denied any intent to meddle in Germany’s elections. In a tweet responding to the accusations, Musk said, “Expressing an opinion about immigration policies is not election interference. Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy.”
Musk has frequently defended X as a platform for open dialogue, emphasizing that users should be free to discuss controversial topics. However, his critics argue that the reach and influence of his statements go beyond ordinary discourse, given his ownership of the platform
