France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has called on the European Commission to take a hardline approach to Elon Musk’s alleged interference in European elections. This comes after President Emmanuel Macron accused the tech magnate of meddling in political processes across the continent.
On 8th January, Barrot addressed the European Commission, urging swift action to shield EU member states from external influences, particularly those tied to Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), Tesla, and SpaceX.
“Either the European Commission applies with the greatest firmness the laws that we have given ourselves to protect our public space, or it does not do so, and then it will have to agree to give back the capacity to do so to the EU member states,” Barrot stated in an interview with France Inter. “We have to wake up.”
When asked about the possibility of banning Musk’s platform X in Europe, Barrot clarified that existing legislation allows such measures. He emphasized that the EU’s legal framework grants member states the authority to close platforms that threaten public discourse.
Musk’s influence has grown in recent months, fueled by his close relationship with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, with reports suggesting he may assume a role in Trump’s administration after the 20th January inauguration. His involvement in politics has raised concerns across Europe, with critics accusing him of targeting leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“When you take part in a government or aspire to take part in one, your opinions have a rather special value,” Barrot noted.
President Macron also weighed in, accusing Musk of interfering in Germany’s upcoming snap parliamentary elections. Speaking to France’s diplomatic corps, Macron reportedly said, “Ten years ago, who could have imagined that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?”
The controversy has prompted renewed scrutiny of social media platforms and their influence on democracy. Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for stricter enforcement of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) to prevent platforms like X from swaying public opinion or inciting unrest. Some MEPs have even proposed investigating the legality of Musk’s recent posts under the DSA.
Adding to the tensions, Musk is scheduled to join a livestream on 9th January with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, further amplifying criticism of his political engagement.
As pressure mounts, the European Commission faces a critical test: enforcing its laws to protect democratic integrity or risking fragmentation among its member states. For France, the stakes are clear—standing up to tech billionaires like Musk is essential to preserving the EU’s political sovereignty.
