Berlin's Labor Senator Defends "Nazi" Tesla Dig, Sparks Outcry
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Senator justifies controversial statement labeling Tesla as 'Nazi-like' - Senator defends her comparison of Tesla to Nazis: justifies stance amidst controversy.
Berlin's Labor Senator, Cansel Kiziltepe, has stirred up a hornet's nest with her controversial statement about electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla. "Tesla's slumping sales reflect customers' concerns over CEO Elon Musk's apparent ties to far-right policies," Kiziltepe asserted on X portal.
Kiziltepe, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), refused to back down from her assessment of Elon Musk. "I stand by my views on Musk, but it's essential to distinguish between the man and the employees or customers," she clarified. Musk, an advisor to the US President, has been under fire for his right-wing political views.
On Thursday, Kiziltepe posted on X: "Who wants to drive a Nazi-esque car? Electric car manufacturers are thriving — except Tesla." Backlash swiftly followed from various quarters, including Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD). "Given the stark diversity of Tesla's workforce in Grünheide, with employees from around 150 different nations, Kiziltepe's statement is inappropriate and out of line," Woidke said to the "B.Z."
Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, Daniel Keller (SPD), also voiced his disapproval, suggesting Kiziltepe should retract her remark. "Such a Nazi comparison is hurtful to the workers and inappropriate for a Labor Senator," he stated.
Berlin's CDU faction leader Dirk Stettner criticized Kiziltepe harshly. "This trivialization of Nazi terror and the Holocaust is reckless and requires immediate clarification from the Senator," he warned.
- Car
- CEO
- SPD
- Elon Musk
- Berlin
- Brandenburg
- Grünheide
- Tesla
A deeper dive:
- Historical Comparisons: The controversy stems from Kiziltepe's remarks linking Tesla to the Nazi regime, a reference regarded as highly sensitive in Germany due to its history.
- Sales Slump: The comparison was made in the context of Tesla's struggling sales compared to other electric car manufacturers.
- Political Controversies: Musk's right-wing political views and associations, including his support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and ties to former US President Donald Trump, have been a source of ongoing criticism.
- Tesla's Position: Tesla Germany has maintained that it remains independent from politics, focusing solely on vehicle production.
The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between political discussions and international business, especially when it comes to companies as prominent as Tesla. It also underscores the challenging landscape for navigating divisive political issues in the public sphere.
- Cansel Kiziltepe, Berlin's Labor Senator, defends her comparison of Tesla's sales slump to a "Nazi-esque" car, despite widespread outcry.
- SPD members, such as Dietmar Woidke, Brandenburg's Minister-President, and Daniel Keller, Berlin's Minister of Economics, have expressed disapproval of Kiziltepe's verbal attack.
- The controversy arises from the historical context in Germany, where comparisons to the Nazi regime are seen as extremely sensitive, given the country's history.
- In response, Tesla Germany asserts its independence from politics, focusing primarily on vehicle production.
- The incident serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the need to navigate political issues carefully, particularly in the case of prominent multinational companies like Tesla.
