German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that he does not support “freedom of speech” for views which are “extreme-right.”
Speaking at a World Economic Forum event in Davos today, Scholz referred to US billionaire Elon Musk this week doing a hand gesture on-stage in a moment of exuberance while celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President. Some critics online said that the gesture resembled a fascist salute, leading to controversy.
Other observers pointed out that immediately after the gesture, Musk told the crowd “My heart goes out to you,” and that the move was meant as a gesture of affection to the audience.
Weighing in on the incident, the German Chancellor indicated he did not believe freedom of speech should extent to certain views.
“We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany,” said Scholz.
“Everyone can say what he wants, even if he is a billionaire. And what we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme-right positions.”
For his part, Musk dismissed the criticism of his gesture as a “tired” attack.
“Shame on Oaf Schitz,” he said on his own platform X.
Musk and Scholz have previously clashed on a number of issues, with Musk referring to Scholz as an “incompetent fool” who should resign after a deadly vehicular attack at a German Christmas market.
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