Elon Musk has reignited political tensions in Germany by openly supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, just weeks ahead of the country’s critical elections. His endorsement, published in the newspaper Welt am Sonntag, comes at a time when three state chapters of the AfD in eastern Germany are officially classified as extremist and are under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of the social media platform X, described the AfD as a voice for “political realism,” resonating with Germans who feel neglected by mainstream politics. He dismissed accusations of extremism, stating, “The AfD addresses pressing issues without the veil of political correctness, ensuring Germany’s core values and cultural heritage remain intact amidst globalization.”
Musk’s comments align with the AfD’s controversial positions on immigration and European integration. The party advocates for stricter immigration controls and has campaigned for Germany’s exit from the European Union and the euro. Critics argue these stances jeopardize Germany’s stability and international alliances.
Alice Weidel, the AfD’s chancellor candidate, shared Musk’s endorsement on X, amplifying his remarks to his 210 million followers — a staggering reach that eclipses Germany’s total voter base. However, the publication of Musk’s opinion in Welt am Sonntag triggered backlash, including the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor, Eva Marie Kogel, in protest.
Prominent German politicians, including opposition leader Friedrich Merz, condemned Musk’s intervention. Merz labeled Musk’s actions “intrusive and presumptuous,” asserting that such overt involvement in another country’s election is unprecedented in Western democracies.
While Musk has previously criticized German bureaucracy, his recent foray into political advocacy has drawn scrutiny, particularly given his business interests in Germany, such as Tesla’s factory near Berlin. The timing and scale of his support for the AfD raise questions about the influence of global billionaires on national politics.
The AfD has seen a surge in support, polling at nearly 20%, while Merz’s conservative bloc leads with 31%. With snap elections on February 23, Musk’s polarizing stance adds another layer of complexity to Germany’s political landscape.
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