World · Europe · 1 hr ago
German MPs warn that far-right politics and tech power cross borders
German Social Democratic MPs Armand Zorn and Elisabeth Kaiser visited Brazil ahead of a presidential runoff they saw as important for democracy in Europe as well as Brazil.
They backed Lula and feared a government led by Flávio Bolsonaro could harm democracy and social and climate policies.
In Germany’s 2025 election, the far-right AfD doubled its vote share to 20.8%, amid worries about economic change, inflation and the war in Ukraine.
Kaiser said the party channels insecurity into resentment against immigrants, while Zorn said it portrays mainstream politicians as corrupt and itself as the solution.
The MPs argued that better jobs, education and investment can counter far-right appeals, while digital platforms can amplify polarising claims.
The European Union requires transparency from major tech companies and fined X €120 million in December 2025 over transparency-rule violations.
In Brazil, officials and lawmakers are trying to pass a bill by December to expand the competition regulator’s powers over tech companies, while civil society groups are calling for broader digital rules.
German Social Democratic Party lawmakers Armand Zorn and Elisabeth Kaiser warned that far-right politics and the power of technology companies pose challenges across borders.
They linked the AfD’s growth in Germany to economic insecurity, war in Ukraine and inflation, and said the party channels resentment toward immigrants.
They argued that countering the far right requires investment in education, innovation, renewable energy and decent jobs.
Kaiser said digital algorithms help spread polarizing claims, while Zorn said democracy can obstruct technology companies’ pursuit of profit.
The article also described European Union rules for technology companies and proposed digital regulation in Brazil.
- Who
- German lawmakers Armand Zorn and Elisabeth Kaiser of the SPD.
- What
- They warned about the cross-border challenges posed by far-right politics and technology companies.
- When
- They were interviewed ahead of Brazil’s second-round election; the article identifies the preceding Saturday as October 24.
- Where
- At the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on Avenida Paulista in Brazil.
- Why
- They said economic insecurity can fuel far-right support and that technology platforms can amplify polarizing claims.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The European Union has required transparency about advertising and algorithms and measures to protect electoral processes.
The AfD’s share of Germany’s vote rose to 20.8%, from 10.4% in the previous election.
The European Union fined Musk’s X 120 million euros for transparency-rule violations.
The Trump administration asked a European court to join the case in which Musk and X are seeking to overturn the fine.
- SPD lawmakers
- Armand Zorn and Elisabeth Kaiser
- AfD vote share
- 20.8% in 2025, up from 10.4%
- EU fine against X
- 120 million euros in December 2025
- EU rules
- In force since 2024; cover advertising, algorithms and election protection
- Brazil proposal
- Would expand Cade’s tools against anticompetitive practices by large technology companies
- Brazil digital plan
- Nosso Digital 2026-2030