Social media owners don't dictate Germany's future: Scholz responds to Musk's backing of AfD.

This is reported by Der Spiegel.

Scholz urged Germans to participate in the early elections.

"You, the citizens, determine what happens next in Germany. Social media owners do not make that decision," the chancellor stated.

Although he did not mention Elon Musk by name, who was recently accused of interfering in the elections due to his support for the "Alternative for Germany," it was clearly directed at the billionaire.

The chancellor also expressed hope that Germans would "not allow themselves to be incited against one another." "Such divisions weaken us and are detrimental to our country," warned Scholz.

What preceded this?

American billionaire Elon Musk supported the far-right "Alternative for Germany" with a post on X, where he called the party "the savior of the country". Following this, he denied accusations of interfering in the German elections.

However, shortly after, he reiterated his support for the party in a column for the German publication Welt. Musk explained why he sympathizes with the AfD's position on several issues, including energy and migration. Additionally, the billionaire denied the extremist orientation of the party.

The publication faced widespread criticism, including from journalists at Welt.

The "Alternative for Germany" is in second place in polls and could hinder a center-right or center-left majority, but the main centrist parties in Germany have promised to avoid support from the far-right AfD at the national level.

Let us remind you that early federal elections in Germany are scheduled for February 23, 2025.