"Scholz advises 'Don't feed the troll' in reference to Musk"
German Chancellor Scholz has expressed his concerns regarding Elon Musk's statements in support of Germany's AfD party, describing them as “troubling.” Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The German chancellor has expressed concern over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s support for Germany’s AfD party, labeling it “troubling.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed recent comments made by Musk, who has openly supported the right-wing Alternative for Germany party. In a Saturday interview with Stern magazine, Scholz encouraged a calm approach to such criticisms and cautioned against reacting to provocation.
“There are many people on social media who want to attract attention with strong slogans,” Scholz remarked. “The rule is: Don’t feed the troll.”
Musk previously described Scholz as an “incompetent fool” in December via a post on X, criticizing Berlin’s immigration policy. This followed a tragic incident in which an Arab immigrant, holding a residence permit, drove through a crowded Christmas market in Germany, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries.
In addition to his criticism, Musk has endorsed the AfD, praising its anti-immigration policies and claiming it is the only party capable of “saving Germany.” He later elaborated in an op-ed for Welt am Sonntag, asserting that the right-wing party’s immigration stance aims to safeguard the nation's culture and security rather than promote xenophobia.
Scholz indicated that Musk’s endorsement of the AfD is “far more concerning” than personal insults, highlighting the party’s advocacy for closer relations with Russia and a weakening of transatlantic ties.
German officials, including Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, have condemned Musk’s remarks, cautioning him against meddling in German politics. “Our democracy cannot afford such external influences,” Habeck stated.
Further complicating matters, Musk, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to spearhead his proposed ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ initiative.
Additionally, some members of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inner circle have expressed skepticism regarding Musk's ability to support both the AfD and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party while serving in the new US administration. The Sunday Times reported that such actions could be perceived as declaring conflict with key US allies in Europe. Musk has also shown support for Reform UK in the past, agreeing with the sentiment that it is “the only way to save” Britain.
Germany is preparing for early parliamentary elections on February 23, prompted by the collapse of Scholz’s coalition government due to internal disputes over Ukraine aid, economic reforms, and climate policy, which led to a vote of no confidence and parliamentary dissolution in December. Since then, Scholz has been leading a minority government.
The AfD has experienced a surge in support, with recent polls indicating around 17% backing. Nevertheless, Germany’s main political parties, including Scholz’s Social Democrats, have ruled out forming any coalition with the group.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed recent comments made by Musk, who has openly supported the right-wing Alternative for Germany party. In a Saturday interview with Stern magazine, Scholz encouraged a calm approach to such criticisms and cautioned against reacting to provocation.
“There are many people on social media who want to attract attention with strong slogans,” Scholz remarked. “The rule is: Don’t feed the troll.”
Musk previously described Scholz as an “incompetent fool” in December via a post on X, criticizing Berlin’s immigration policy. This followed a tragic incident in which an Arab immigrant, holding a residence permit, drove through a crowded Christmas market in Germany, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries.
In addition to his criticism, Musk has endorsed the AfD, praising its anti-immigration policies and claiming it is the only party capable of “saving Germany.” He later elaborated in an op-ed for Welt am Sonntag, asserting that the right-wing party’s immigration stance aims to safeguard the nation's culture and security rather than promote xenophobia.
Scholz indicated that Musk’s endorsement of the AfD is “far more concerning” than personal insults, highlighting the party’s advocacy for closer relations with Russia and a weakening of transatlantic ties.
German officials, including Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, have condemned Musk’s remarks, cautioning him against meddling in German politics. “Our democracy cannot afford such external influences,” Habeck stated.
Further complicating matters, Musk, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to spearhead his proposed ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ initiative.
Additionally, some members of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inner circle have expressed skepticism regarding Musk's ability to support both the AfD and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party while serving in the new US administration. The Sunday Times reported that such actions could be perceived as declaring conflict with key US allies in Europe. Musk has also shown support for Reform UK in the past, agreeing with the sentiment that it is “the only way to save” Britain.
Germany is preparing for early parliamentary elections on February 23, prompted by the collapse of Scholz’s coalition government due to internal disputes over Ukraine aid, economic reforms, and climate policy, which led to a vote of no confidence and parliamentary dissolution in December. Since then, Scholz has been leading a minority government.
The AfD has experienced a surge in support, with recent polls indicating around 17% backing. Nevertheless, Germany’s main political parties, including Scholz’s Social Democrats, have ruled out forming any coalition with the group.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
