German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly criticized Elon Musk for supporting far-right political groups in Europe, calling it “disgusting” and a blow to democracy. Scholz, who has frequently attacked Musk and his allies, including U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasized that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) poses a significant threat to Germany’s democratic future.
Musk, a close ally of Trump, recently praised Germans for their historical role in ending Nazi atrocities while appearing at an AfD campaign event via video link. Scholz strongly disagreed with Musk’s remarks, stating that Germany remains responsible for the Nazi atrocities committed by Germans in Europe.
The Chancellor also criticized Musk for promoting the far-right AfD ahead of Germany’s upcoming snap election. Scholz highlighted his country’s historical role in fighting Nazi persecution as a source of anger toward Musk’s support for such groups.
Scholz emphasized that Germany is deeply grateful to the U.S. for freeing it from Nazi rule and helping it become a democracy, calling Musk’s actions “a betrayal” after recently comparing an online gesture to a Nazi salute during a U.S. inauguration ceremony.
This week marks a historic moment as the world commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz, a former Nazi concentration camp. Scholz stressed that Germany must remain vigilant against far-right extremism and its impact on democracy worldwide.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sholz-says-musks-backing-right-wing-europe-is-disgusting-2025-01-28