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Merkel Raises Concerns Over Musk’s Influence on Trump and Global Politics

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Merkel Criticizes Big Business Influence

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed alarm over the growing influence of tech magnates like Elon Musk on politics, particularly regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with Der Spiegel, published ahead of her memoir’s release, Merkel highlighted the challenges posed when corporate power overshadows democratic governance.

“If the ultimate recourse of politics is influenced too strongly by companies—through capital or technological capabilities—it poses an unprecedented challenge for all of us,” Merkel stated, emphasizing the importance of balancing the interests of ordinary citizens against those of powerful corporations.

Concerns Over Musk’s Expanding Role

Merkel singled out Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as a concerning example. Musk was reportedly tapped by Trump to co-lead a newly envisioned Department of Government Efficiency, which the former president-elect had indicated would operate outside traditional government frameworks.

Merkel pointed to Musk’s vast control over global satellite networks. “If someone like him owns 60% of all satellites orbiting in space, then that has to be a huge concern for us,” she said. Musk’s SpaceX, through its Starlink satellite internet network, operates over 6,000 satellites used worldwide by governments, corporations, and consumers.

Reflections on Multilateralism and Trump

In her forthcoming memoir, Freedom: Memories 1954-2021, Merkel shares insights into her experiences with global leaders, including Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to Der Spiegel, she lamented Trump’s approach to international relations, noting that his worldview, rooted in a “winner-takes-all” mentality, undermined multilateral cooperation.

“Trump’s re-election filled me with sadness,” Merkel admitted, underscoring the difficulties of maintaining collaborative global efforts in the face of such divisive politics.

Memoir Release and Legacy Concerns

Merkel’s memoir, set to be released on November 26 in over 30 countries, has garnered significant attention. She will launch the book in the U.S. alongside former President Barack Obama in December. The release comes at a time when Merkel’s 16-year tenure is under scrutiny, as Germany faces economic challenges and growing political and international crises.

The memoir promises a candid look at Merkel’s leadership during pivotal global events and offers a reflection on the delicate balance of power between governments, corporations, and individuals.

UN Adopts ‘Pact for the Future’ to Strengthen Global Cooperation

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The United Nations General Assembly adopted a historic “Pact for the Future” on Sunday, marking a significant milestone toward enhanced global cooperation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the agreement as a “step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism,” aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The pact, adopted without a vote at the start of the two-day Summit of the Future, is the result of nine months of intense negotiations.

Guterres emphasized the urgency of the pact, stating, “We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink.” He has long advocated for the summit and the agreement, which encompasses key themes such as peace and security, global governance, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender equality, youth, and future generations. The pact includes 56 broad actions that nations have committed to implementing.

Why is it important?

The “Pact for the Future” is a timely response to mounting global crises that demand stronger multilateralism and U.N. reform. It focuses on reinforcing the multilateral system, with the United Nations and its Charter at its core, ensuring that international institutions remain fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world. The pact also includes a framework for responsible and sustainable digital cooperation, reflecting the increasing importance of technology governance.

Key Quotes from the Pact for the Future:

“We recognize that the multilateral system and its institutions, with the United Nations and its Charter at the centre, must be strengthened to keep pace with a changing world. They must be fit for the present and the future – effective and capable, prepared for the future, just, democratic, equitable and representative of today’s world, inclusive, interconnected and financially stable.

“Today, we pledge a new beginning in multilateralism. The actions in this Pact aim to ensure that the United Nations and other key multilateral institutions can deliver a better future for people and planet, enabling us to fulfil our existing commitments while rising to new and emerging challenges and opportunities.”

Context:

Global challenges such as ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, insufficient climate change mitigation efforts, growing national debt issues, and rapid technological advancements without adequate governance have underscored the need for U.N. reform and a reimagined global cooperation framework.

Despite widespread support for the pact, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Vershinin criticized the negotiations and the adoption of the agreement. Russia’s attempt to include an amendment—backed by countries like North Korea, Syria, Nicaragua, Belarus, and Iran—failed. The amendment sought to explicitly state that “the United Nations and its system shall not intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.”