Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025

France Urges EU to Act on Musk's Political Influence as Tensions Rise

EU struggles to determine its response to Elon Musk's political commentary amid concerns over interference in European elections.
France has urged the European Union to take a firmer stance against what it views as political interference by Elon Musk, as the tech billionaire's comments on European politics have sparked widespread concern.

In recent weeks, Musk has made posts on his social media platform X that have been critical of European leaders and endorsed right-wing populist parties, particularly the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), ahead of the country’s February election.

These comments have caused unease among European governments, especially those grappling with rising right-wing populism.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for the European Commission to enforce existing laws to protect the political integrity of EU member states.

Barrot warned that the Commission must either take strong action against Musk or consider devolving the responsibility to individual countries.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also criticized Musk, accusing him of undermining democracy.

The issue has put the EU in a difficult position, as it faces a complex balancing act between curbing foreign influence and respecting freedom of expression.

Musk's connections with U.S. politics, particularly his relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, complicate the EU's response.

There is uncertainty over whether Musk’s actions are independent or influenced by Trump, who takes office on January 20. Some EU officials are cautious, aware of the potential diplomatic tensions with the incoming U.S. administration.

The European Commission has maintained that its Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates social media platforms in the EU, provides sufficient safeguards against harmful online activity.

However, it remains unclear whether this framework will be effective in addressing the specific risks posed by Musk’s political comments.

European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, emphasized that Musk is free to express his opinions online within legal boundaries.

The Commission continues to investigate X's compliance with the DSA.

Musk’s controversial comments include calling German Chancellor Olaf Scholz an 'incompetent fool' and hosting a conversation with AfD leader Alice Wiedel.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Scholz, have publicly criticized Musk, with Scholz advising, 'Don’t feed the troll.' Meanwhile, the EU's regulatory framework is under scrutiny, with the DSA board set to meet on January 24 to discuss potential responses to Musk’s actions.

As tensions between the EU and Musk escalate, the bloc faces increasing pressure to assert its influence and address the challenges posed by digital platforms in the political sphere.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Millions of Noncitizens Are Granted Social Security Numbers During the Biden Administration
Europe Pursues Digital Autonomy Amidst Transatlantic Strains
A Large Blaze Breaks Out in Malaysia Following a Gas Pipe Explosion
OpenAI Obtains Unprecedented $40 Billion Investment
Argentina’s “Magician” or a PR Illusion? “Individuals Are Sifting Through Garbage and Residing on the Streets”
Charity Chairwoman Alleges Prince Harry of Harassment and Bullying
DOGE revealed that USAID provided $84 million to the Clinton Foundation. Of this amount, $3 million was spent on Chelsea Clinton's wedding, while $10 million was used to buy a luxury mansion.
The State Department has announced that it is officially closing USAID.
Apple's Innovation Deficit: Falling Behind in AI and Foldable Technology in Light of Chinese Progress
President Trump Proposes Military Intervention to Obtain Greenland
Passenger Taken into Custody for Indecent Act on SWISS Air Flight
Ecuador Gears Up for Influx of US Military as It Intensifies Campaign Against Violent Drug Cartels
Barcelona player Danny Alves cleared of rape allegations.
TESLA PROTESTERS TARGET CYBERTRUCK OWNER, SHOUT "NAZI" INSULT
Rachel Zegler has officially been benched by Disney
Are they correct?
PUTIN'S LIMOUSINE BLOWS UP—SECURITY CHAOS ENSUES
The Secret Service plans to fire DEI-hired agents, but an Obama-appointed judge rules it illegal.
French Foreign Ministry Denounces U.S. Interference in Corporate Diversity Policies
Copyright Issues Emerge as Studio Ghibli Images Created by AI Gain Popularity
This is what we refer to as CREATIVITY.
The Book Mark Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want You to Read Becomes a Huge Bestseller
Removing the political opponent means eradicating what's remaining of Turkey's economy.
Malaysia Tightens Semiconductor Regulations Amid U.S. Pressure to Curb AI NVIDI Chip Exports to China
OpenAI Launches Fresh Image Generation Tool for ChatGPT
Former FIFA President and French soccer icon exonerated of corruption allegations.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Under Investigation After Journalist Added to Secret Military Chat
Ex-Business Partner of Hunter Biden Discusses Possible Pardon from President Trump
FBI Director Denies Report of Major ATF Agent Reallocation
American Brands Face Consumer Boycott in Europe Amid Escalating Trade and Political Tensions
U.S. Attorney General Announces Task Force to Prosecute Government Fraud
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Samsung Executive Han Jong-hee Dies Suddenly Amid Ongoing Corporate Challenges
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has just signed off on a national debt hike to fast-track Germany’s militarization
Turkey jails Istanbul mayor ahead of trial, igniting widespread public backlash
Heathrow Airport Restarts Operations Following Initiation of Power Outage Inquiry
Safeguard your Tesla against vandalism and threats using 'Sentry Mode'—an integrated security feature that notifies you of potential risks and captures unusual behavior. Discover how to activate it and ensure your vehicle's safety.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Under Investigation for His Involvement in Democratic Romanian Election Annulment
Pope Francis Makes His First Public Appearance in Five Weeks After Being Hospitalized
Pope Francis Released from Hospital Following Pneumonia Treatment
Tesla Cybertrucks Defaced During Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans
Usha Vance to Head U.S. Delegation During Greenland Visit Amid Discussions on Annexation
Elon Musk Files Lawsuit Against Jamaal Bowman for Defamatory Remarks
IMF Weighs $20 Billion Loan for Argentina
Johnson & Johnson Unveils $55 Billion Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
Boston Celtics Acquired for an Unprecedented $6.1 Billion by Private Equity Executive Bill Chisholm
Iconic Boxer George Foreman Dies at 76
European Airline Shares Fall Following Disruption from Heathrow Power Outage
Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital Following Pneumonia Recovery
Unveiling the Electromagnetic Characteristics of the Great Pyramid of Giza
×