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German Government Considers Leaving X Over Algorithm Concerns, Spokesperson Reveals

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The German government is actively evaluating the possibility of abandoning its presence on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns over the platform’s algorithms. A government spokesperson confirmed on Friday that this issue is under continuous review, especially following a live broadcast on the platform featuring Elon Musk and Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The spokesperson explained that X and other social media platforms have algorithms that promote content in ways that are not conducive to “calm, objective, and balanced discourse,” but instead tend to encourage agitation and polarization. Although the government has not made a final decision, it has chosen to remain on the platform for the time being due to its ability to reach a broad audience.

Musk’s growing support for far-right and anti-establishment parties, particularly in the lead-up to Germany’s February 23 election, has sparked controversy. German institutions, including unions and universities, have already distanced themselves from X in protest. During a live session on Thursday, Musk reiterated his endorsement of the AfD, a far-right party that is considered extremist by German security services, which has led to increasing tensions in Berlin.

However, the government spokesperson clarified that concerns over the platform are not directly related to Musk’s political involvement in Germany. The spokesperson emphasized that it is up to the European Commission in Brussels to determine whether X is complying with EU laws, especially during election periods.

 

German Defence and Foreign Ministries Depart from Elon Musk’s X

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Germany’s foreign and defence ministries announced on Wednesday that they would shift their public communications away from Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, citing growing dissatisfaction with the platform’s developments. The decision comes amid increasing concerns about Musk’s involvement in European political discourse and the direction the platform has taken since Musk’s acquisition in 2022.

Reasons for Departure

The German ministries did not directly cite Musk’s controversial political interventions but expressed increasing frustration with the platform’s trajectory. The defence ministry spokesperson stated that they had become “increasingly unhappy with developments” on X. While the ministry indicated that it might still use X to counter disinformation, its social communications would now primarily occur via Meta’s WhatsApp messenger.

The foreign ministry also noted that it regularly evaluates the platforms where it maintains a presence and had decided to increase its activity on the emerging platform BlueSky. This marks a shift as the German government seeks to diversify its communication strategies amidst rising concerns about X’s direction under Musk’s leadership.

Musk’s Political Interventions

Musk has faced accusations of meddling in European politics, particularly for his vocal interventions since September. These have included controversial remarks such as calling for the replacement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, labeling German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as an “incompetent fool,” and encouraging votes for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk has claimed these statements reflect his stance on issues like immigration, which he believes threaten the future of certain countries.

Although neither ministry directly referenced Musk’s interventions—most recently a live interview with AfD leader Alice Weidel—the growing frustration is likely related to these actions. Critics have voiced concerns that Musk’s political commentary undermines X’s role as a neutral platform for communication.

The Broader Trend

Germany’s departure from X is part of a broader trend of institutions distancing themselves from the platform. In recent weeks, several universities and research institutions in both Germany and the UK have also moved away from X. The departure of such institutions could have a more significant impact on the platform than individual users, as these organizations contribute verified information and help build the “network effects” that make a platform valuable for discussions.

Despite Musk’s claims that user numbers are on the rise since he purchased the platform, recent polls and research studies suggest otherwise, with many questioning the long-term sustainability of X under its current leadership.

 

Germany’s Far Right Stirs Controversy Over Bauhaus Legacy in Ongoing Culture War

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has stirred a heated debate over the Bauhaus movement, one of the 20th century’s most influential design schools, as the city of Dessau prepares to celebrate the centenary of Bauhaus’s move there in 1925. The AfD recently proposed that regional legislators avoid glorifying Bauhaus, claiming its cosmopolitan principles overshadow regional traditions, sparking backlash from supporters of the school’s cultural legacy. The proposal was promptly rejected by the Saxony-Anhalt parliament.

The Bauhaus, founded in 1919, aimed to blend traditional craftsmanship with industrial production and became a symbol of Germany’s interwar cultural renaissance, eventually attracting Jewish and international designers. Its avant-garde ethos was later banned under Nazi rule, making it a post-war symbol of cultural progress. However, the AfD’s criticism reflects its broader strategy of sparking cultural divides, framing itself as a defender of traditional values and national identity. This approach has been a key factor in its recent regional electoral success, underscoring AfD’s use of cultural issues to attract supporters amid economic challenges.

The Bauhaus Dessau Foundation’s Barbara Steiner notes that the AfD understands how cultural issues can resonate emotionally with the public. The movement’s international success in architecture and design, especially through icons like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, makes it a convenient target for the party’s narrative of defending “authentic” German culture. AfD legislator Hans-Thomas Tillschneider’s remarks in parliament further emphasized this tactic, framing Bauhaus as a fragile icon under critique.

The AfD’s stance on Bauhaus reflects a broader trend in conservative politics worldwide, where movements push back against modern design and cultural inclusivity to promote a return to traditional aesthetics, as seen with the Trump administration’s attempt to favor neoclassical architecture in federal buildings and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s restoration of Budapest’s historic architecture.