Scholz of Germany Defines Boundaries of 'Free Speech'
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed that freedom of speech ought not to be utilized to advocate for extreme-right ideologies. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has once again criticized US billionaire Elon Musk, asserting that freedom of speech should not be a means to promote extreme-right views.
Scholz made these comments on Tuesday in Davos in response to questions about Musk’s controversial gesture during a celebration marking US President Donald Trump’s inauguration the day prior. He emphasized the importance of free speech in Europe and Germany, stating, “We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany. Everyone can say what he wants, even if he is a billionaire,” while also insisting, “What we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme-right positions.”
Musk faced accusations of performing a Nazi salute while speaking to Trump supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on Monday. In his remarks, Musk described Trump’s November 5 election victory as “no ordinary victory” and a “fork in the road of human civilization,” thanking the audience “for making it happen.” He gestured with his right hand over his heart, lifting it upward at an angle, palm down and fingers together, repeating the gesture while addressing the audience behind him, stating, “My heart goes out to you.”
The incident drew significant criticism, with Musk later dismissing the allegations as malicious and suggesting that his critics “need better dirty tricks,” adding that “the ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
Scholz has previously spoken out against Musk, labeling him a threat to the EU and democracy due to what he characterized as Musk’s support for the “far-right.” In December, Musk called the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) the only party capable of “saving Germany” and praised its anti-immigration policies while labeling Scholz an “incompetent fool.” Earlier this month, Musk hosted a livestream with AfD co-chair Alice Weidel on his social media platform X, declaring, “only AfD can save Germany.”
In response, Scholz suggested that Musk is merely seeking online attention, advising people not to “feed the troll.” He described Musk’s behavior as “completely unacceptable” and claimed that Musk “supports the extreme right throughout Europe, in Britain, in Germany, in many, many other countries.”
The livestream with Weidel has attracted scrutiny from the EU, which dispatched approximately 150 tech specialists and officials to monitor the event, expressing concerns that it might provide an “unfair advantage” to the AfD ahead of Germany’s upcoming snap elections set for late February, where the party is currently polling second with around 20% public support.
The interview has also led to backlash from German institutions, resulting in numerous universities and research institutes announcing their exit from X, citing concerns over “increasing radicalization” on the platform.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
Scholz made these comments on Tuesday in Davos in response to questions about Musk’s controversial gesture during a celebration marking US President Donald Trump’s inauguration the day prior. He emphasized the importance of free speech in Europe and Germany, stating, “We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany. Everyone can say what he wants, even if he is a billionaire,” while also insisting, “What we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme-right positions.”
Musk faced accusations of performing a Nazi salute while speaking to Trump supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on Monday. In his remarks, Musk described Trump’s November 5 election victory as “no ordinary victory” and a “fork in the road of human civilization,” thanking the audience “for making it happen.” He gestured with his right hand over his heart, lifting it upward at an angle, palm down and fingers together, repeating the gesture while addressing the audience behind him, stating, “My heart goes out to you.”
The incident drew significant criticism, with Musk later dismissing the allegations as malicious and suggesting that his critics “need better dirty tricks,” adding that “the ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
Scholz has previously spoken out against Musk, labeling him a threat to the EU and democracy due to what he characterized as Musk’s support for the “far-right.” In December, Musk called the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) the only party capable of “saving Germany” and praised its anti-immigration policies while labeling Scholz an “incompetent fool.” Earlier this month, Musk hosted a livestream with AfD co-chair Alice Weidel on his social media platform X, declaring, “only AfD can save Germany.”
In response, Scholz suggested that Musk is merely seeking online attention, advising people not to “feed the troll.” He described Musk’s behavior as “completely unacceptable” and claimed that Musk “supports the extreme right throughout Europe, in Britain, in Germany, in many, many other countries.”
The livestream with Weidel has attracted scrutiny from the EU, which dispatched approximately 150 tech specialists and officials to monitor the event, expressing concerns that it might provide an “unfair advantage” to the AfD ahead of Germany’s upcoming snap elections set for late February, where the party is currently polling second with around 20% public support.
The interview has also led to backlash from German institutions, resulting in numerous universities and research institutes announcing their exit from X, citing concerns over “increasing radicalization” on the platform.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
