Tech billionaire Elon Musk is stirring controversy in Europe by attacking Britain’s far-left Labour government over Pakistani grooming gangs and endorsing Germany’s populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of federal elections in February. However, polls show his interventions are generally being poorly received.
A YouGov EuroTrack survey reveals that Musk is viewed unfavorably by 71 percent of the population in both Germany and Britain. Only 19 percent of Germans and 18 percent of Britons hold a favorable view of the SpaceX and Tesla CEO. Sixty percent of respondents in both countries believe he lacks knowledge about their politics and the significant issues they face.
In an interview earlier this month, one grooming gang victim criticized Musk, saying that his comments were unhelpful and accusing the billionaire of being narcissistic.
Public opinion in both countries strongly disapproves of foreign political figures influencing domestic politics. Approximately 74 and 76 percent of Germans and Britons reject such interventions, including from American figures like Musk. About 72 percent also oppose European interference in the United States’ political affairs.
Few in Britain and Germany believe Musk will significantly impact politics in their countries. Only about 18 to 22 percent of respondents think he holds sway over their national political landscapes.
However, Musk’s popularity is markedly higher among supporters of Germany’s AfD and Britain’s Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage. Regardless, both groups believe Musk’s influence in their national politics is limited.
