Growing concerns regarding foreign interference in the upcoming German elections, particularly through social media disinformation campaigns targeting the AfD, are prompting action. Recent events, including the cancelled Romanian election due to suspected Russian influence, highlight the urgency of the situation. Elon Musk’s support of the AfD is under investigation as a potential illegal donation, further fueling anxieties. To address these risks, a stress test involving major online platforms was conducted, evaluating their compliance with the Digital Services Act’s requirements for mitigating election-related threats.
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Former Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly criticized CDU party leader Friedrich Merz for collaborating with the far-right AfD to pass a stricter migration motion. This move broke a previous pledge by Merz not to seek parliamentary majorities with AfD support, a decision Merkel deemed wrong and a setback for national political responsibility. Merkel’s condemnation, a rare public intervention, is considered potentially damaging to Merz’s standing within the CDU and could significantly impact the upcoming election. The controversial vote marks the first time the Bundestag passed a measure with AfD votes, highlighting growing divisions within the German political landscape.
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Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski strongly criticized Karol Nawrocki, head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, for not responding to Elon Musk’s remarks at an AfD rally. Musk’s comments, minimizing German guilt and praising the AfD, were deemed by Trzaskowski as encouraging fascist policies. Trzaskowski accused the ruling PiS party of cowardice for their silence, highlighting the inappropriateness of this inaction during the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. He emphasized the importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities.
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A non-binding motion for stricter German border and asylum rules passed with the support of the far-right AfD, fracturing the established political consensus. This controversial vote, defended by CDU leader Friedrich Merz as necessary, sparked intense debate and condemnation from Chancellor Scholz, who called it an “unforgivable mistake”. Merz plans to introduce binding legislation with potential AfD backing, despite concerns about its legality and timing before the upcoming election. The incident highlights the escalating political tensions surrounding immigration in Germany.
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Elon Musk’s video address at a German far-right party’s campaign launch sparked widespread condemnation. He urged Germany to “move beyond” past guilt, a sentiment echoed by the AfD and criticized by Yad Vashem’s chairman as insulting to Holocaust victims. Several European leaders, including Poland’s Prime Minister, condemned Musk’s remarks, made just hours before the Auschwitz liberation anniversary. Musk’s actions, including a controversial gesture at a rally, have drawn accusations of interfering in European politics and supporting far-right figures. This is not his first instance of drawing criticism for his support for populist movements.
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Chancellor Scholz strongly condemned Elon Musk’s support for the far-right AfD party in Germany’s upcoming election, calling Musk’s actions “disgusting” and detrimental to European democracy. Musk’s engagement includes a conversation with the AfD leader, public endorsements, and a virtual appearance at an AfD rally. Scholz was particularly angered by Musk’s comments downplaying Germany’s historical responsibility for the Holocaust, deeming them inappropriate given the recent anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. The Chancellor’s criticism highlights the concern over foreign interference in German politics and the sensitivity surrounding Germany’s historical past.
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Elon Musk’s recent endorsement of the AfD, a German political party, included controversial remarks downplaying Germany’s “culture of remembrance” regarding its Nazi past. His statement, delivered virtually, coincided with the upcoming German election and the anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, causing significant offense, particularly in Poland. These comments come ahead of Musk’s Tesla earnings call on Wednesday. His considerable wealth is largely derived from his Tesla stock holdings.
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Elon Musk’s virtual appearance at a German AfD campaign rally follows recent accusations of him performing Nazi salutes. His endorsement of the AfD, a party with anti-immigrant views and historical controversies, included comments praising German culture and values while referencing Germany’s Nazi past. Musk’s actions have sparked strong reactions, with some dismissing his gestures as misinterpreted while others condemned his association with far-right politics. The event underscores Musk’s increasingly controversial political alignments.
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Elon Musk’s virtual appearance at a German far-right AfD rally sparked widespread condemnation. His comments, echoing the party’s downplaying of Germany’s Nazi past, were denounced by Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan as insulting to Holocaust victims and a threat to German democracy. Musk’s support for the AfD, which advocates moving past guilt over the Nazi era, aligns with his broader support for various European hard-right groups. The timing, shortly after a controversial gesture interpreted as a Nazi salute, further intensified criticism. This event underscores Musk’s increasingly vocal embrace of right-wing politics.
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Tens of thousands of Germans demonstrated against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in nationwide protests ahead of crucial elections. These protests, exceeding initial police estimates, followed Elon Musk’s endorsement of the AfD, which is currently polling at a record high of approximately 20%. The AfD, mirroring the stances of Donald Trump, opposes immigration and climate action, while the protests emphasized rejection of the party and concerns about potential coalition talks involving the CDU. Incidents of violence were reported at the counter-demonstration in Halle, where Musk addressed an AfD rally.
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John Q. Hosedrinker