- Steinbach criticizes Musk for his comments about riots
Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, Jörg Steinbach (SPD), has criticized the remarks of Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the context of the far-right riots in the UK. "I find his remarks not only wrong, but they actively undermine the fabric of our German and European society," Steinbach said in an interview with the Handelsblatt. "Anti-Semitism, racism, hate speech, and exclusion have no place in Brandenburg." Musk had recently commented on the far-right riots in the UK on the X platform, stating, among other things, that "a civil war is inevitable." Musk operates the only Tesla plant in Europe in Grünheide, Brandenburg, where around 12,000 people are employed. "I do not share his personal political views," Steinbach added. He expects "a clear commitment to our values." "In the case of the plant in Grünheide, where people from 50 different nations work together, we can confirm that this is the case," Steinbach explained.
Far-right riots in English cities had kept the country on edge for days. The incident was sparked by a fatal stabbing in Southport near Liverpool, where three girls aged around 10 died and several others were injured. This led to attacks on security forces, asylum seeker accommodations, mosques, and shops. Thousands of police officers were deployed, many of whom were injured.
The Commission, taking into account the situation, may decide to issue a statement condemning the far-right riots and the divisive remarks made by Elon Musk, emphasizing the importance of respect for diversity and inclusion. Following this decision, Jörg Steinbach, Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, would reiterate the expected commitment to these values from all entities operating within the region, including Tesla's plant in Grünheide.
