German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a strong New Year’s Eve message, urging citizens to take charge of Germany’s future. He emphasized that the February 23 election would be decided by the people, not by “social media owners.”
Citizens at the Helm of Democracy
In his recorded address, Scholz criticized the growing impact of extreme views in public discourse. “Sometimes, it seems the more extreme the opinion, the more attention it gets,” he noted. “But it is not the loudest voices who decide Germany’s future. It is the majority of reasonable and decent people.”
Scholz further stated, “You, the citizens, will decide what happens next in Germany. Social media owners do not have that power.” While he refrained from naming Elon Musk, the remarks followed Musk’s endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Musk, owner of the social media platform X, has claimed to back the AfD’s economic policies while rejecting its “far-right” label.
Addressing Disinformation and National Unity
Scholz also addressed the surge of disinformation on X after the December 20 attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, which left five people dead and hundreds injured. “Many of these rumors and speculations have already been debunked,” Scholz stated. “They divide and weaken us, which harms our country.”
The attack, allegedly carried out by a Saudi-born man who had lived in Germany since 2006, has been exploited by the AfD to promote divisive narratives. AfD leader Alice Weidel called it “an act of an Islamist full of hatred for human cohesion.” Musk added to the tension by criticizing German authorities and calling for Scholz’s resignation on X.
Backlash Against Musk’s Comments
Musk’s public support for the AfD has triggered outrage across Germany’s political spectrum. Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), compared Musk to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of attempting to meddle in Germany’s democratic process. Officials also noted that the AfD is classified nationally as a suspected terrorist organization.
As the election approaches, Scholz’s speech underscores the importance of unity and rational political dialogue. His message highlights the critical role of citizens in shaping Germany’s future, independent of divisive rhetoric or external influences.
