Elon Musk's Political Engagement in Europe Sparks Alarm Among Politicians

Elon Musk, after investing in Donald Trump's re-election, is now focusing on Europe, causing concern among European politicians. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has shown support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Musk's social media platform, X, features derogatory remarks about politicians and shares from far-right accounts.

European Political Concerns

Musk's involvement in German politics is notable as the country prepares for an election on 23 February. He endorsed the AfD, which is under scrutiny for extremism, stating it can "save Germany." This has sparked debate among politicians like Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who finds Musk's comments troubling but urges calm. Scholz emphasised that Germany's future lies with its voters, not social media owners.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns about tech billionaires' influence on democracy. He questioned the impact of such power on elections, including in Germany. Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis also criticised Musk's actions as dangerous, highlighting the risks of using wealth and platforms to influence governments.

Focus on UK Politics

Musk has turned his attention to British politics since Labour's July victory. He labelled Starmer as "evil" and accused him of failing to address child sexual abuse cases during his tenure as director of public prosecutions. Starmer denied these allegations and condemned misinformation spread by Musk and some UK Conservative politicians.

The UK government faces pressure to strengthen laws against foreign interference, but there are no plans to leave X. European authorities are investigating X for spreading hate and misinformation. The EU is examining whether Musk's interview with AfD's Alice Weidel gives undue advantage to the party before elections.

Social Media Regulation

Musk opposes regulating social media, comparing UK's Online Safety Act to Soviet censorship. His provocative posts raise questions about their impact on public opinion and his supported causes. Tesla investors are wary of his political remarks affecting car sales, especially as Tesla struggles in Europe with declining registrations.

Tesla's European registrations fell 13% in early 2023, with a 44% drop in Germany. Jato Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz noted Musk's outspoken nature is risky for a public company owner but might succeed if Europe shifts rightward. Munoz cited successful right-wing leaders like Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni as examples.

Musk's political activities could alienate potential Tesla buyers who disagree with his views. However, his strategy mirrors his US approach with Trump, suggesting he hopes for similar success in Europe.