Current:Home > StocksGermany’s government and Elon Musk spar on X over maritime rescue ships -Ascend Finance Compass
Germany’s government and Elon Musk spar on X over maritime rescue ships
View
Date:2025-04-17 10:06:30
BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s government rebuked X owner Elon Musk after he criticized the recent work of migrant rescue ships that German humanitarian groups operate in the Mediterranean Sea.
Musk late Friday shared a video that showed migrants and aid workers on a boat. The right-wing account that first put the content on X, formerly known as Twitter, praised the populist far-right Alternative for Germany party, which has taken a hard line on migration issues.
“Is the German public aware of this?” Musk wrote in his repost.
The German Federal Foreign Office replied to Musk directly on X, writing: “Yes. And it’s called saving lives.”
Musk responded that he doubted the German public supports the actions of non-governmental organizations that take asylum-seekers from unseaworthy vessels in the Mediterranean. He also asserted it was “surely” a violation of Italy’s sovereignty for German-operated ships to bring rescued migrants to Italian territory.
“So you’re actually proud of it. Interesting,” he wrote to the Foreign Office, adding that he thinks such maritime operations have “invasion vibes.”
The exchange comes as migration has returned to the political forefront in Germany and other European countries, with government officials and opposition politicians sparring about how best to handle an increasing number of arriving migrants.
Cities and communities across Germany have sounded an alarm, saying they are running out of room to accommodate them and to provide kindergarten and school places.
More than 220,000 people applied for asylum in Germany from January to August this year. In all of 2022, about 240,000 people applied for asylum. In 2015-16, more than 1 million people applied for asylum in Germany.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of global migration: https://apnews.com/hub/migration
veryGood! (4992)
Related
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Prosecutors in Georgia election case against Trump seek to keep Willis on the case
- Nicole Kidman gets gushes from Miles Teller, Zac Efron, on night of AFI Life Achievement Award
- From $150 to $4.3 million: How record-high US Open winner's purse has changed since 1895
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Fire in Kuwait kills more than 35 people in building housing foreign workers
- Neil Goldschmidt, former Oregon governor who confessed to sex with a minor in the 1970s, has died
- Southern Mississippi Football Player Marcus MJ Daniels Jr. Dead at 21 After Shooting
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Hurricane Winds Can Destroy Solar Panels, But Developers Are Working to Fortify Them
Ranking
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Jersey Shore cops, pols want to hold parents responsible for kids’ rowdy actions after melees
- Ariana Madix Bares Her Abs in Risqué Gold Cutout Dress for Love Island USA Hosting Debut
- Anthony Michael Hall is loving 'Ms. Rachel,' cites this John Hughes movie as his favorite
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Lionel Messi says Inter Miami will be his last team, talks retirement
- Lauren Boebert’s ex-husband pleads guilty to reckless endangerment after altercations with family
- Teen Mom Star Amber Portwood Tearfully Breaks Silence on Fiancé Gary Wayt’s Disappearance
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Usher, Babyface showcase icon and legend status at Apollo 90th anniversary
No Fed rate cut – for now. But see where investors are already placing bets
Gunfire altered her life in an instant. How one woman found new purpose after paralysis.
Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
Rob Kardashian Makes a Confession About His Sperm in NSFW Chat With Khloe Kardashian
You Only Have 48 Hours To Get Your 4 Favorite Tarte Cosmetics Products for $25
Ariana Madix Bares Her Abs in Risqué Gold Cutout Dress for Love Island USA Hosting Debut