EU official statements or reports regarding the monitoring process

Elon Musk to Host Live Chat with AfD's Alice Weidel on Feb. 23, Monitored by 150 EU Officials

Jan 9, 2025, 03:20 PM

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and owner of the social media platform X, is set to host a live-streamed conversation with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and its candidate for chancellor in the upcoming national election on February 23. The discussion, scheduled for 7 p.m. CET, comes amid concerns across Europe about Musk's potential influence on the German election. Musk has previously endorsed the AfD, stating in a December post on X that 'Only the AfD can save Germany,' and further supported the party in an article for Welt am Sonntag, criticizing the current German government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The European Union is deploying up to 150 officials to monitor the conversation for any violations of EU laws, particularly the Digital Services Act, to ensure that X does not unfairly boost the AfD's campaign. This move by the EU reflects heightened scrutiny of Musk's political engagements, especially given his past involvement in U.S. politics and his recent comments on European political figures.