German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has called for greater European independence in the digital sector, criticising the dominance of American tech giants and urging the EU to establish its own communication platforms.
Speaking at a televised Q&A with voters before Sunday’s national election, Habeck, the Greens’ candidate for chancellor, framed Elon Musk’s influence as a direct threat to European values.
Habeck argued that Europe’s digital space is increasingly controlled by Silicon Valley and warned that figures like Musk undermine democracy. He expressed particular concern over the billionaire’s growing role in US politics and his ties to President Donald Trump.
“The most powerful person in the world—the US President—and the richest person in the world, Elon Musk, have joined forces to break down the boundaries of power,” Habeck said, referring to Musk’s involvement in Trump’s administration.
A Call for Stronger Regulation
Habeck accused Musk and other American tech giants of promoting a misleading version of free speech while keeping their business practices highly secretive.
“They claim to stand for free expression, yet they guard their algorithms like state secrets. This is not transparency—it is manipulation,” he said.
Habeck argued that such companies must be regulated in accordance with European values, warning that current EU regulations do not go far enough.
His comments reflect broader concerns about Europe’s dependency on external tech platforms. Habeck questioned why Germany and the EU lack their own alternatives, stating:
“We cannot depend on Chinese algorithms or Elon Musk’s far-right fantasies when shaping our democracy. Europe must take back control of its digital space.”
Broader Concerns Over Germany’s Digital Lag
Beyond his criticism of Musk, Habeck also highlighted Germany’s struggles with digitalisation. He described the country’s approach to technological openness as an illusion, stating that digitalisation in Germany has “barely arrived”and remains a major challenge.
He also defended his party’s energy policies in response to voter concerns over rising costs. Addressing complaints about expensive heat pump installations and strict energy renovation requirements, Habeck pointed to government subsidies aimed at easing the financial burden. He also argued that banks should consider potential revenue from solar panels when assessing loan applications.
“Building in Germany must become cheaper, and approval processes need to be more streamlined and efficient,” he said.
Political Backlash Over Musk’s Influence
Musk’s involvement in European politics has sparked criticism in recent months, particularly following his endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). In early January, Musk called AfD “the last spark of hope” for Germany in an article published in Welt am Sonntag. His comments were widely condemned by German political leaders, including CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, who described Musk’s intervention as “intrusive and unacceptable.”
Habeck’s push for European digital sovereignty aligns with ongoing discussions in Brussels about reducing reliance on American and Chinese technology. While the EU has taken steps to regulate major tech firms, Habeck’s remarks suggest that more drastic measures may be needed to ensure European control over its own digital landscape.
With the upcoming Bundestag elections set to influence Germany’s tech policy, the debate over digital sovereignty is likely to remain at the centre of European political discourse.
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