Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has been a controversial figure in international politics, drawing criticism from leaders across Europe for his interventions. French President Emmanuel Macron and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store have both expressed concerns about Musk's influence, particularly in Germany and Britain. Musk's vocal support for the AfD party in Germany and his criticism of German leaders like President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz have not been well-received, with 74% of Germans in a recent survey disapproving of his involvement.
In Britain, Musk's comments on sensitive topics such as grooming gang scandals have ignited heated debates. He criticized British political figures, including Keir Starmer, for their handling of these issues. This has led to calls from within British political circles for governmental action, with some even suggesting summoning the US ambassador to address Musk's interference.
Meanwhile, European Green Party members have urged the EU Commission to take action against Musk's platform X, citing violations of the Digital Service Act. They perceive Musk's political maneuvers as a systemic risk. Critics argue that Musk blurs the lines between his business ventures and political interests, as seen in his investments that seemingly benefit his companies like Tesla, Starlink, and SpaceX.
Musk's influence, amplified by his vast social media following, continues to be a divisive topic. While some view his actions as an overreach of power, others see them as a reflection of his right to free speech. Nonetheless, the global discourse around Musk's political involvement underscores the complex intersection of business, technology, and politics in today's world.
