How Elon Musk has meddled in European affairs

Berlin: Last week, Elon Musk stirred up quite a bit of chatter when he hosted a livestream with Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the far-right AfD party in Germany. He praised her and the party, which has been criticized for its anti-immigrant stance and ties to pro-Kremlin sentiments.

It’s wild how Musk, despite not fully grasping European politics, has been diving into the political scene over there. He’s made some pretty bold statements about various leaders and even the EU itself.

Take the UK, for instance. Musk had a cozy relationship with Rishi Sunak, but things soured once Keir Starmer took over as Prime Minister. He’s called the UK a “tyrannical police state” and has made some pretty outrageous claims about Starmer and his government.

Musk didn’t stop there. He’s also taken shots at Germany’s leaders, calling Chancellor Olaf Scholz a “fool” and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier an “anti-democratic tyrant.” Scholz even told him not to engage with trolls, which is pretty funny.

His livestream with Weidel was particularly controversial. He claimed the AfD was Germany’s only hope, while Weidel made a bizarre comment linking Hitler to communism. It’s a lot to unpack!

Musk’s comments have drawn the ire of many, especially with the EU’s new digital regulations that threaten his business. He’s been vocal against Brussels, calling out officials and even labeling the incoming commission as “undemocratic.”

He’s also made waves in Ireland, supporting anti-immigration sentiments and promising to fund legal challenges against hate speech laws. It’s clear Musk is not just a tech mogul; he’s trying to shape political narratives across Europe.