British News Agency

Merkel, often referred to as the "leader of the free world" by some observers during Trump's first term, said that her 16 years in power taught her how to maintain a delicate balance between business and political interests.

In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine, when asked if the challenge posed by Trump had intensified since his first election in 2016, Merkel responded: "There is now a visible alliance between him and the major Silicon Valley companies, which have enormous power through capital."

Musk, who served as an advisor to Trump during his second term, was tasked by the elected president to lead a newly formed government efficiency department alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. Merkel stated that the financial connections of the SpaceX and Tesla chief made such an appointment highly problematic.

Merkel said, "If someone like him owns 60% of all satellites orbiting in space, this must be a major source of concern for us, alongside political issues. Politics should determine the social balance between the powerful and ordinary citizens."

The author of a book of over 700 pages, set to be published on Tuesday, Merkel added, "And if this ultimate authority is excessively influenced by companies through capital power or technological capabilities, this will pose an unprecedented challenge for all of us."

She emphasized that one of the hallmarks of free societies is clear control over corporate power and the influence of the ultra-wealthy. "In a democracy, politics must never be powerless against companies," she said.

On social media platforms like Musk's X, Merkel stressed the importance of balancing the anger on social media, fueled by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which ranks second in public polls ahead of the early elections scheduled for February 23.