Germany says Elon Musk seeking to sway February election – DW – 12/30/2024
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Germany's government says Tesla tycoon Elon Musk is seeking to influence the country's February election, but downplayed his comments. The X owner and Donald Trump ally has declared his support for the far-right AfD.

Summary

The German government accused Elon Musk of trying to influence its February 2024 general election by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

It acknowledged Musk’s right to express his opinion but dismissed its potential impact, calling his remarks “the greatest nonsense.”

Musk described the AfD as Germany’s “last spark of hope” in an opinion piece for Die Welt, sparking backlash and the resignation of a senior editor.

Musk has also faced accusations of trying to sway the 2024 U.S. election in Donald Trump’s favor.

    • barsoap@lemm.eeEnglish
      42·
      6 days ago

      Quoth the current foundational programme of the SPD:

      Our history is shaped by the idea of democratic socialism, a society of free and equal people where our core values are realized. It requires a structure in economy, state and society guaranteeing civil, political, social and economic basic rights for all people living a life without exploitation, suppression and violence, hence in social and human security.
      The end of the soviet type state socialism did not disprove the idea of democratic socialism but it clearly confirmed the orientation of social democracy towards core values. In our understanding democratic socialism remains the vision of a free and fair society in solidarity. Its realization is a permanent task for us. The principle for our actions is social democracy.

      The Seeheimer Circle may have captured what the SPD is doing, but it has not yet captured what it’s saying it wants to do. Also as of the latest polls they’re still above 5%, Scholz nonwithstanding.

      • Mîm@lemmy.zipEnglish
        3·
        5 days ago

        They say that. But words are cheap. They have been part of the government for two thirds of my life so far and not much to show for in that regard. Quite the opposite actually.

        And that’s before we go look back in time why they are called traitors. So no, the sPD does not fit that description.

        • barsoap@lemm.eeEnglish
          11·
          5 days ago

          If they are not socialists, then how can they be traitors. If they were conservatives, you’d say “yep, that’s expected”, not “they betrayed their values and their base”.

      • Anivia@feddit.orgEnglish
        1·
        5 days ago

        Yes, thats what they say they want to do. But at the end of the day they will just govern together with CDU and have “stomach ache” again