Ally of Scholz cautions US about potential diplomatic tensions due to Musk's derogatory comments
Rolf Mutzenich of the SPD has cautioned that Elon Musk’s criticisms of German leaders could potentially damage relations between the US and Germany. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Elon Musk's recent comments targeting German leaders are jeopardizing the relationship between Berlin and Washington, warns Rolf Mutzenich, the head of Germany’s Social Democratic Party parliamentary group.
In an interview with Spiegel on Wednesday, Mutzenich criticized the South African-born, US-based billionaire for his attacks on German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Musk referred to Steinmeier as an “anti-democratic tyrant” and predicted electoral defeat for Scholz, whom he called a “fool” and referred to as “Oaf Schitz.” Furthermore, Musk has expressed support for the far-right and anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party, labeling it “the last spark of hope for this country.”
Mutzenich contended that Musk's remarks, as a notable ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, are “crossing a line between friendly states.” He defended Steinmeier, asserting that the President serves as Germany’s head of state under international law, meaning that “the verbal attacks on the Federal President are therefore aimed at all citizens.”
The SPD leader urged Berlin to clarify whether Musk’s ongoing “disrespect, defamation, and interference” are consistent with the views of the incoming Trump administration.
German officials previously indicated that Musk's statements might be an attempt to sway the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in February. The collapse of Scholz’s coalition government, stemming from disagreements over Ukraine aid, economic reforms, and climate policy, resulted in a vote of no confidence and the dissolution of parliament in December.
During Trump’s initial term, he criticized Germany's substantial trade surplus with the US and threatened tariffs on German cars. He often accused Germany of not meeting NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target, asserting that the country was overly dependent on US military support. Trump also opposed the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which was sabotaged in 2022 amid the escalating Ukraine conflict, on the grounds that it would heighten the EU’s energy reliance on Moscow.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
In an interview with Spiegel on Wednesday, Mutzenich criticized the South African-born, US-based billionaire for his attacks on German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Musk referred to Steinmeier as an “anti-democratic tyrant” and predicted electoral defeat for Scholz, whom he called a “fool” and referred to as “Oaf Schitz.” Furthermore, Musk has expressed support for the far-right and anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party, labeling it “the last spark of hope for this country.”
Mutzenich contended that Musk's remarks, as a notable ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, are “crossing a line between friendly states.” He defended Steinmeier, asserting that the President serves as Germany’s head of state under international law, meaning that “the verbal attacks on the Federal President are therefore aimed at all citizens.”
The SPD leader urged Berlin to clarify whether Musk’s ongoing “disrespect, defamation, and interference” are consistent with the views of the incoming Trump administration.
German officials previously indicated that Musk's statements might be an attempt to sway the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in February. The collapse of Scholz’s coalition government, stemming from disagreements over Ukraine aid, economic reforms, and climate policy, resulted in a vote of no confidence and the dissolution of parliament in December.
During Trump’s initial term, he criticized Germany's substantial trade surplus with the US and threatened tariffs on German cars. He often accused Germany of not meeting NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target, asserting that the country was overly dependent on US military support. Trump also opposed the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which was sabotaged in 2022 amid the escalating Ukraine conflict, on the grounds that it would heighten the EU’s energy reliance on Moscow.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
