Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton has suggested the European Union may move to nullify the results of Germany’s upcoming general election if the populist-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) prevails. Breton made the comments during an interview released Thursday, referencing external influence by Elon Musk as a cause for concern.
Breton highlighted a recent online conversation between Musk and AfD leader Alice Weidel on X as a potential “interference” in the electoral process. He drew parallels with a situation in Romania last year involving right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu, suggesting the EU could respond similarly if necessary.
“If laws are circumvented, it is imperative to take action,” he said, adding that platforms like X, owned by Musk, must adhere to European regulations.
Musk reacted forcefully to Breton’s assertions, describing them as authoritarian.
The controversy follows past tensions between Breton and Musk over content regulations. In the preceding summer, Breton had warned Musk about potentially harmful content on his platform under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
I don’t know how no one has managed to figured out that Elon Musk’s recent political actions are a direct response to his (and others’) long, ongoing regulatory war with Brussels.
It’s so obvious, yet everyone’s behaving like there’s no rhyme nor reason.
— Raheem. (@RaheemKassam) January 11, 2025