Billionaire Elon Musk has thrown his support behind far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s bid for the French presidency, calling her “France’s last hope”, and prompting accusations of foreign interference in the 2027 election.

  • eicker@lemmy.worldEnglish
    30·
    2 days ago

    The richest man on Earth buying influence in other countries while calling it free speech was always going to end badly. If any other billionaire tried steering US elections from abroad, the outrage would be deafening. Funny how principles become optional when your favorite oligarch is involved.

    • bob_lemon@feddit.orgEnglish
      12·
      2 days ago

      Isn’t this what the right accuses George Soros of? So the outrage is already there.

      • eicker@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        2 days ago

        That’s comparing apples and oranges: Musk supports the far right (even extremists) that’s fighting democracy, Soros supports democrats.

        • skaffi@infosec.pubEnglish
          2·
          23 hours ago

          No, it’s comparing apples to rotten apples. It is the same thing, it is using excessive personal wealth to influence politics, but obviously one of the two is much more disgusting, and even damaging to your health, than the other.

          • eicker@lemmy.worldEnglish
            1·
            22 hours ago

            The issue isn’t whether wealthy people try to influence politics: many do. The distinction is what they’re promoting. Equating support for mainstream democratic parties with support for parties or movements accused of undermining democratic institutions erases an important difference. ‘Rich people spend money on politics’ is the similarity. The political goals and consequences are where the comparison breaks down.