MADRID, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Spanish Labour Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz announced on Tuesday that she will no longer be active on Elon Musk's social media platform X, citing concerns over the billionaire's conduct during events related to the presidential inauguration.
In an interview with state TV station TVE, she explained her decision, stating, "I will not be part of a social network that promotes xenophobic ideas, violates human rights, and supports the far-right through the use of algorithms."
Diaz expressed her discontent with Musk's recent actions, saying, "Elon Musk's gestures and convoluted speeches yesterday were a determining factor in my decision."
Following an event on Monday where Musk made a controversial hand gesture, which some online observers likened to a Nazi salute, the Anti-Defamation League considered it differently, describing it as an "awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm."
In response to the criticism, Musk dismissed the accusations as a "tired" attack on X.
Diaz declared that she, along with other members of her hard-left Sumar party, will cease to engage on X regarding personal and political topics. Additionally, Spanish ministries, including the Defence Ministry, have also distanced themselves from X, citing growing dissatisfaction with its direction. This move aligns them with several universities in Germany and the UK that have recently disengaged from the platform.