Elon Musk challenges EU: “Why isn’t the EU leader directly elected by the people?”

Brussels – Tech magnate Elon Musk has sharply criticized the EU’s process for selecting its leadership, proposing a radical reform: the President of the European Commission should be elected directly by citizens, rather than appointed by the European Council.

His post on X came shortly after Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the “European Shield for Democracy,” a strategy aimed at combating online disinformation and foreign interference in elections.

“If democracy is the foundation of freedom, why isn’t the EU leader directly elected by the people?” Musk wrote.

Von der Leyen defended the current procedure, emphasizing its democratic importance: “Democracy is the foundation of our freedom, prosperity, and security.” The Commission President is nominated by the European Council and confirmed by the European Parliament—a process von der Leyen successfully passed despite three votes of no confidence in 2025.

Musk’s critique comes amid ongoing debates about free speech and the influence of digital technologies on politics. Over time, he has commented on governance worldwide, including support for Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.