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Elon Musk, owner of X and an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has sparked outrage across Europe with his attacks on the continent's leaders. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez responded Wednesday, warning that Musk's "open attacks on our institutions" and "stirring up hatred" could lead to a return of fascism. The criticism comes as Musk is slated to take on a role in Trump’s administration.
During a speech for the start of official commemorations on the 50th anniversary of dictator Francisco Franco's death, Sanchez accused Musk of heading an "international reactionary" movement that "openly attacks our institutions, stirs up hatred and openly calls for the support of the heirs of Nazism in Germany's upcoming elections".
"All this is a problem, a challenge, a challenge that should challenge all of us who believe in democracy," the Socialist premier added at the event at Madrid's Reina Sofia art museum, home to Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" painting, one of the most famous anti-Franco works.
"Autocratic regimes are advancing halfway around the world," Sanchez said, warning that "the fascism we thought we had left behind is now the third political force in Europe", a reference to far-right parties that have gained ground across the continent.
Musk has offered strong support to the extreme-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of snap elections in the country on February 23, and will host a discussion on X with the party's leader Alice Weidel on Thursday.
The billionaire has also called for Starmer to be removed and urged the release from jail of Tommy Robinson, one of Britain's most prominent far-right agitators.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot earlier on Wednesday urged the European Commission to protect its member states with "the greatest firmness" against interference in political debate by Musk, telling France Inter radio: "We have to wake up."
Sanchez has announced around 100 events in schools, universities, museums and the streets this year to "showcase the great transformation achieved" in the half-century since Spain initiated its democratic transition following Franco's death in November 1975.
