The European Commission condemned remarks made by U.S. businessman and owner of X and SpaceX, Elon Musk, about Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, stating that it stands in full solidarity with Sánchez.
Speaking at the Commission’s daily press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier responded to questions from journalists.
After being reminded that Musk had used the expressions, “Sánchez is a real fascist totalitarian. Dirty Sánchez is a tyrant and traitor who has betrayed the Spanish people,” following Sánchez’s statements on banning access to social media for those under the age of 16 and increasing legal oversight over platform administrators, Regnier said, “We stand by our member states; we are in full solidarity.”
Regnier stated that they condemn attacks against Prime Minister Sánchez and the leaders of all EU member states, emphasizing that they also support national measures aimed at holding digital platforms accountable.
Pointing out that the EU will continue to make statements “within a framework of respect,” Regnier underlined the importance of holding digital platforms responsible under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
After Sánchez announced plans to impose restrictions and tighter controls on social media platforms during his speech at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 3, Musk criticized him.
Musk said, “Sánchez is a real fascist totalitarian. Dirty Sánchez is a tyrant and traitor who has betrayed the Spanish people.”
In response, Sánchez said, “Let the techno-oligarchs rage. This is a sign that we are continuing on our path.”