Midyatli: We Must Not Tolerate Fake News

Midyatli: We Must Not Tolerate Fake News - Midyatli: We Must Not Tolerate Fake News

Serpil Midyatli, leader of Schleswig-Holstein’s SPD party, has called for tougher measures against fake news and online disinformation. She warns that misleading tactics are warping political discussions and making public debates more aggressive. Her comments come as concerns grow over the spread of divisive rhetoric ahead of key elections.

Midyatli has also criticised Elon Musk for openly backing Germany’s far-right AfD party, which she accuses of fuelling hatred against minority groups. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) plays a central role in her proposed solutions for tackling harmful content online.

Midyatli singled out the AfD for what she describes as deliberate efforts to 'stoke hatred and target specific groups'. She argues that the party’s rhetoric unfairly blames marginalised communities for issues like rising housing costs and economic hardship. According to her, such tactics distort political debate and deepen societal divisions.

Her criticism extends to Elon Musk, who has publicly endorsed the AfD on multiple occasions. Musk’s support includes calls to vote for the party, often linked to his opposition to EU regulations such as the DSA. The law, designed to curb online hate speech and disinformation, has previously led to fines against Musk’s platform X. Midyatli insists that stronger enforcement of the DSA is essential. She demands clearer rules for platform operators, arguing that self-regulation has failed to prevent the spread of harmful content. Beyond legal measures, she stresses the importance of personal conversations in countering misinformation. Face-to-face dialogue, she believes, remains one of the most effective ways to challenge false narratives and rebuild trust in public discourse.

The SPD leader’s remarks highlight growing tensions over disinformation and political extremism in Germany. With the AfD gaining traction in polls, her calls for stricter oversight of online platforms and more responsible public debate take on added urgency. The EU’s Digital Services Act now faces increased scrutiny as a potential tool to enforce accountability on social media companies.