The leader of the liberal FDP, Christian Lindner, suggested that Musk’s goal may be to weaken Germany in favor of the US, “recommending voting for a party that will harm us economically and isolate us politically.”
Thierry Breton, the former head of the European Commission’s digital agenda, took to X over the weekend to warn AfD chancellor candidate Alisa Weidel that a live chat with Musk on Thursday would give her a “significant and valuable advantage over your competitors”.
The European Commission said there is nothing in EU digital services rules that prohibits live streaming or expressing personal views.
However, the spokesperson warned that platform owners should not provide “preferential treatment”. X Mask is already under investigation and the EU says the live stream will be subject to that investigation.
While Musk is outspoken in German politics, he is also expanding his business interests in Italy.
Giorgia Meloni had just been on a whirlwind trip to dine with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago when reports emerged that Italy was in talks with Musk’s SpaceX to sign a $1.6bn (£1.3bn ), under which Starlink satellites will provide encrypted Internet and telecommunications services for the Italian government.
It appears that a deal is not done yet, and Rome quickly denied that any contracts had been signed.
Musk said on Monday that he was “ready to provide Italy (with) the most secure and advanced connection” – without confirming that a deal had been reached.
But the suggestion that Starlink could be tasked with guarding the Italian government’s communications was enough to raise alarm among some opposition politicians in Rome.
“Giving such a delicate favor to Musk while he sponsors the European far-right, spreads fake news and meddles in the internal politics of European countries cannot be an option,” centrist leader Carlo Calenda said.
