Musk Projects His Hard-Right Influence in Europe
AFP/APP
Washington: Elon Musk has taken a controversial turn, demanding new elections in Britain, supporting Germany’s far-right, and criticizing the European Commission, signaling a growing influence in European politics.
The interventions by the billionaire entrepreneur, who owns social media platform X, have already granted him significant clout in the US, particularly through his alignment with President-elect Donald Trump.
Now, Musk is channeling his attention toward Europe, where governments are already grappling with the rise of populism and far-right ideologies.
Britain in Musk’s Crosshairs
Musk has targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of complicity in a child grooming scandal during his tenure as chief state prosecutor.
He has called for Starmer’s resignation and legal accountability, further escalating tensions by advocating for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right agitator, and supporting Reform UK, an anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage.
He also amplified calls for an end to state funding for the BBC, aligning with former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Despite Musk’s divisive comments, the British government has largely refrained from direct engagement, opting for occasional mild rebukes.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting labeled Musk’s remarks as “misjudged and misinformed” but emphasized the willingness to collaborate with him to address social media challenges.
Expanding Influence Across Europe
Musk’s involvement isn’t limited to Britain. He recently met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a prominent radical-right leader, and voiced strong support for Germany’s far-right AfD party.
Scheduled to host a conversation with AfD leader Alice Weidel on January 9, Musk continues to raise concerns about political interference.
In Romania, he criticized judges as “dictators” following the annulment of the presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference. Musk has also developed a close relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom he has described as a “genius.”
Economic Interests Driving Political Stance
Experts suggest Musk’s political initiatives are intertwined with his economic agenda. Ilan Kapoor, a professor at York University, argues that Musk and Trump favor authoritarian governance models, perceiving them as more efficient for business interests.
These models, Kapoor notes, often marginalize political opposition while demanding state intervention in enforcing law-and-order agendas.
Clashing with the European Union
Musk’s criticism of the European Commission highlights his disdain for its regulatory framework, particularly the new content law targeting disinformation on social media platforms like X. He labeled the EU undemocratic, advocating for increased power for the European Parliament.
A former European Commissioner, Vera Jourova, previously described Musk as a “promoter of evil,” reflecting the growing unease over his influence. Researchers warn that Musk could leverage X to rally citizens and far-right entities against EU initiatives, complicating regulatory enforcement.
As Musk’s influence expands, European leaders face the challenge of addressing his interventions while safeguarding democratic values.