France urged the EU to penalize Musk for his interference in political matters.

France has called on the European Union to more actively utilize legislation to safeguard against external interference. This statement follows Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's criticism of American billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday, January 8, regarding his influence on European politics through the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

https://news.novyny.live/ru/frantsiia-zaklikala-ies-pokarati-maska-za-vtruchannia-v-politiku-225283.html2025-01-09 07:20:08

This was reported by Reuters on Wednesday, January 8.

Diplomatic Challenges and Concerns

European leaders are alarmed by Musk's posts that criticize elected officials and create political tension. Particularly concerning is Musk's support for the anti-immigration party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD), which German security services classify as far-right extremist. This occurs against the backdrop of Germany preparing for parliamentary elections in February 2024.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the EU must either strictly enforce existing laws or allow member states to independently protect their interests.

EU's Response to the Challenge

Meanwhile, the European Commission is responding cautiously to the situation to avoid diplomatic tensions with the United States. Elon Musk is associated with Donald Trump, who is preparing to return to power in January. Musk has repeatedly expressed support for Trump and has also donated significant amounts to promote the Republican Party.

European Commissioner for Democracy and Justice, Michael McGrath, stated that the Digital Services Act (DSA) provides sufficient tools to combat misinformation and interference without infringing on freedom of speech. The Commission has been investigating platform X's compliance with European norms for over a year.

Leaders' Reactions

Musk's comments have also drawn sharp criticism in Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns about the influence of social media on elections, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged not to respond to provocations, stating: "Don't feed the troll."

The DSA board, which includes representatives from all 27 EU countries, plans to discuss potential measures on January 24. The focus will be on how platforms like X can balance freedom of speech with the risks associated with inciting hatred and interfering in democratic processes.

It is worth noting that Musk is an ardent supporter of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Media reports have indicated that Musk allegedly has settled in a cottage on Trump's estate.

Meanwhile, Trump recently responded to whether Elon Musk has any political influence.