Lisbon, Portugal – Dozens of protesters gathered outside a Tesla showroom in Lisbon on Saturday, calling for a boycott of the electric car giant. Their anger was directed at Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose growing support for far-right political figures has sparked outrage across Europe.
Holding banners that read “Boycott Tesla”, demonstrators voiced concerns that Musk’s influence could fuel right-wing movements in Portugal, especially with the country facing potential early elections. Although Musk has not directly commented on Portuguese politics, his vocal support for far-right parties in Germany, Britain, Italy, and Romania has raised alarms among activists.
Why Are People Protesting?
The protest comes at a critical time for Portugal. The country’s political scene is in turmoil, with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s government barely surviving a recent confidence vote. If an early election is called, it could take place as soon as May 11 or May 18.
Adding to the tension is the rise of Portugal’s far-right Chega party, which has become the third-largest force in parliament, holding 18% of the vote. Protesters fear that Musk’s influence could help strengthen the party’s position.
Tesla Sales Take a Hit
The backlash against Musk’s political stance isn’t just limited to protests—it’s also impacting Tesla’s business. In January, Tesla’s European sales dropped by a staggering 45% compared to the previous year, while competitors saw their sales rise by 37%.
This sharp decline suggests that Musk’s political activities may be driving customers away. Some Tesla owners have even begun selling their cars in protest, showing how politics is increasingly influencing consumer choices.
Musk Faces Global Backlash
The Lisbon protest is just one of many demonstrations against Tesla and Musk. In the United States, tensions have escalated, with some Tesla dealerships being vandalized. In extreme cases, protesters have reportedly used firearms and Molotov cocktails to attack Tesla properties.
Critics argue that Musk is overstepping his bounds by using his platform to push political narratives, which has alienated customers who disagree with his views.
What’s Next for Tesla?
As political tensions rise in Portugal and beyond, the impact on Tesla’s brand remains uncertain. Will Musk’s influence continue to hurt Tesla’s reputation and sales? Or will his loyal supporters keep the company afloat?
For now, the protests are a clear sign that Musk’s political moves are costing him more than just a few angry tweets—they’re hitting Tesla where it hurts the most: its bottom line.
