German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a strong New Year’s Eve address, urging voters to focus on unity. He emphasized that the upcoming election on February 23 will be decided by citizens, not by “owners of social media channels.”
Scholz Calls for Responsible Political Engagement
In his recorded message, Scholz criticized the growing influence of extreme opinions in political debates. “Sometimes, it seems that the more extreme the opinion, the more attention it receives,” he stated. “But it is not the loudest voices who decide Germany’s future. It is the majority of reasonable and decent people.”
Scholz reassured voters, saying, “You, the citizens, decide what happens next in Germany. Social media owners do not make that decision.” Although he did not name Elon Musk directly, his comments come after the tech billionaire endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Musk, who owns the social media platform X, claimed to support the AfD’s economic policies while rejecting the “far-right” label often associated with the party.
Addressing Misinformation and Division
Scholz also condemned the spread of disinformation on X after the December 20 attack at a Magdeburg Christmas market. The attack left five people dead and hundreds injured. “Many of these rumors and speculations have been debunked,” Scholz remarked. “They divide and weaken us, which is not good for our country.”
The attack, allegedly carried out by a Saudi-born man living in Germany since 2006, has been used by the AfD to further its agenda. AfD leader Alice Weidel called it “an act of an Islamist full of hatred for human cohesion.” Musk also criticized German authorities on X, suggesting that Scholz should resign in the wake of the tragedy.
Political Response to Musk’s Comments
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD has provoked backlash from politicians across Germany’s political spectrum. Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), compared Musk to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He accused Musk of trying to interfere in Germany’s democratic process. Government officials have also noted that the AfD is classified nationally as a suspected terrorist organization.
As the election approaches, Scholz’s speech aims to inspire unity and encourage rational political debate. His message reinforces the idea that Germany’s democratic future lies in the hands of its people, not in divisive rhetoric or external influences.