Political Ref's Note: Former European commissioner Thierry Breton calls for the annulment of the German election if AfD wins purely on the basis of Elon Musk's possible 'interference' in the election. This is nothing more than partisan election nullification under the appalling pretense of protecting free elections. This demonstrates how blind European elites have become to their own authoritarian tendencies. Transcript of video appearance below. French speaking video here.
“We did it in Romania...": Thierry Breton reacts to Musk's interference in Germany with the AFD
BFM TV | September 1, 2024 | Permalink | English Translation of interview found here
Thierry Breton calls this Thursday morning for "cool blood" in the face of Elon Musk's interference in Europe, believing that the law is strong enough and dissuasive. If the boss of Tesla and and X on the other hand, notably in Germany with the AFD, the former European Commissioner believes that it will be necessary to do as in Romania, where the presidential election was cancelled after a first round influenced by viral TikTok videos a few days before the first round.
“Freedom of speech is a fundamental element in Europe,” asserted former European Commissioner Thierry Breton on RMC on Thursday, January 9. Breton's comments came in response to Elon Musk's interference in Europe, notably in the German election, and in response to the personal attacks made on him by the Tesla boss and Donald Trump supporter, with whom exchanges are sometimes heated. At issue: European regulation of social networks, of which Thierry Breton was one of the pioneers. Last year, the European Commission equipped itself with a new legal arsenal to regulate its digital space, with a major text to combat abuse of a dominant position and to block illegal content and disinformation.
Despite Musk's attacks, Thierry Breton insists that the Tesla and X boss remains just a “citizen” for the time being, and is not yet a member of the Trump administration. “Basically, he has the right to think and say what he wants, even if he does it in a shocking way. On the other hand, what he does on the networks, even if it belongs to him, from the moment he operates in Europe, then there, we regulate. The law is there”, he reminds us.
The X social network acquired by Elon Musk in 2022 will host a live chat with the leader of AFD, the far-right party for which the American billionaire has been championing for several months.
“As long as it's broadcast in Europe on a regulated platform, it has to follow European rules. With the AFD, you have to follow them. It's obvious, I'm sure, that we're going to take every measure to ensure that he complies with the law. If he doesn't, there are fines and the possibility of a ban. We are equipped to enforce these laws to protect our democracies in Europe”, pleads Thierry Breton.
“Let's wait and see what happens. Let's keep our cool and enforce our laws in Europe when they risk being circumvented and, if not enforced, could lead to interference. We've done it in Romania, and we'll obviously have to do it if necessary in Germany”, he concludes.
