Europe’s Socialist parties have demanded the European Union take action against Elon Musk and his X social media platform over his alleged “manipulation” of the continent’s politics.
In a press release published on January 7, the Party of European Socialists (PES) blasted Musk for his support of what it described as “one particular far-right party”, ordering Brussels to examine possible interventions.
The PES comprises national-level political parties from all the European economic area states (EEA) plus the UK.
While the group refused to elaborate further, the party in question was most likely the Alternative for Germany (AfD), whose co-leader, Alice Weidel, is set to appear on a podcast with Musk on January 9. The party has refuted the description “far-right”.
We encourage the @EU_Commission to use all the legal tools to protect electoral processes in the #EuropeanUnion from misinformation and foreign interference on social media. PES Secretary General @giacomofilibeck said: “The defence of democracy is something that must unite us… pic.twitter.com/z6gjRIQLM5
— PES 🌹🇪🇺 (@PES_PSE) January 8, 2025
“The PES is alarmed by the spread of disinformation and possible attempts at interfering in several national elections through social media,” PES President Stefan Löfven said.
“We cannot allow any infringement of our democratic processes.
“I am deeply concerned when I see someone with access to a huge social platform use their position to openly support one particular far-right party,” he said.
“Let’s call it for what it is: It is clear that this is not about defending free speech but about promoting specific parties and political views.
“We live in a Europe built on the rule of law and strong democratic foundations. Social media, including X, should not be used as instruments to erode the pillars of democracy through populist propaganda.
“It is time to stop these interferences and the manipulation of European public opinion,” Löfven added.
Others have celebrated the US tech mogul’s stance. Speaking to Brussels Signal, AfD MEP Mary Khan said that Musk’s decision to talk with Weidel would be “a historic milestone” that exposed millions of people to the party’s views.
“In Germany we have the most expensive public broadcasting system in the world. And yet it deliberately excludes the AfD during election campaigns, even though it is the country’s second-strongest political force,” Khan said.
“People here are even forced to pay taxes to fund this broadcaster!
“Whereas Brussels and the current German Government is doing everything it can to censor free speech, Musk is using X to give a platform to political views that are excluded by the mainstream media.
“Protecting free speech and increasing political engagement with our citizens is vital for a healthy democracy. The influence of Musk in this regard has been significant for us in Germany,” she added.
US tech billionaire Elon Musk has become persona non grata for many European Union leaders. https://t.co/4x69R7xWrQ
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 8, 2025
The PES said it was mulling potential ways the EU could muzzle Musk. Giacomo Filibeck, the group’s General Secretary, encouraged the European Commission to implement the Digital Services Act (DSA) against the tech mogul. The legislation allows Brussels to impose certain censorship rules on social media platforms such as his X.
“The EU has enacted legislation such as the Digital Services Act to ensure that the online services contribute and do not undermine key pillars of our democracy,” Filibeck said.
“Elon Musk’s use and abuse of his platform X points to continued violation of the DSA provisions. We therefore strongly encourage the European Commission to make use of all the legal tools to secure the democratic processes and the rule of law.
“The defence of democracy is something that must unite us all and we call on other European parties to join forces against any potential abuse,” he added.
The PES’ comments came after Musk had targeted some of its most prominent members including the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Britain’s Labour Party, which remains in the group despite the UK leaving the EU in 2020.
Musk insisted the current SPD-led government in Germany was failing in its obligation to businesses, repeatedly writing on social media and in the German press that the AfD was now the “only party that can save Germany”.
He also lashed out at the UK’s left-wing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom he suggested should be jailed for what the billionaire alleged was the PM’s failure to tackle migrant-related crime and child-grooming gangs.
That related to Starmer’s time as the UK’s Director of Public Prosecutor between 2008 and 2013 and the failure to prosecute many of those allegedly involved.
COMMENT: There is no doubt that a man of Musk’s influence has landed a heavy blow on the British prime minister by accusing him of being a ”rape genocide apologist” who belongs in prison, writes @ConradMBlack. https://t.co/yx27JXPpwI
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 8, 2025
