Elon Musk Criticized for Backing Germany’s Far-Right AfD Ahead of Elections
Elon Musk faced backlash from German politicians on Sunday for an opinion piece he authored supporting the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Critics across Germany’s political spectrum condemned the commentary, published in Welt am Sonntag, as an inappropriate and intrusive attempt to influence the country’s February 23 elections.
Musk’s Support for the AfD
In his commentary, Musk praised the AfD’s policies on regulation, taxes, and market deregulation, calling the party “the only one that can save Germany.” The article expanded on a recent post by Musk on the social media platform X, where he similarly endorsed the AfD.
Musk’s support comes amid political upheaval in Germany following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government.
Political Backlash
- Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and the current frontrunner to succeed Scholz as chancellor, called Musk’s article “intrusive and pretentious.” Speaking to the Funke Media Group, Merz said, “I cannot recall a comparable case of interference, in the history of Western democracies, in the election campaign of a friendly country.”
- Saskia Esken, co-leader of Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), accused Musk of undermining democratic principles. “In Elon Musk’s world, democracy and workers’ rights are obstacles to more profit,” she told Reuters. “Our democracy is defensible, and it cannot be bought.”
Resignation at Welt am Sonntag
The editor of the opinion section at Welt am Sonntag resigned following the publication of Musk’s piece. However, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief designate defended the decision to publish the commentary, arguing that “democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of opinion, including polarizing positions.”
AfD’s Rising Influence
The AfD, currently polling second, has emerged as a significant political force capable of disrupting a center-right or center-left majority. Despite its growing influence, Germany’s mainstream parties have vowed to exclude the AfD from national coalitions, citing its far-right positions.
Broader Implications
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD marks a rare instance of direct intervention by a prominent foreign figure in German politics. The controversy is likely to add further scrutiny to his role as an outside adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, as well as the potential impact of wealthy and influential individuals on democratic processes abroad.
As Germany prepares for its pivotal elections, the fallout from Musk’s commentary underscores the tensions surrounding foreign influence, media responsibility, and the challenges of safeguarding democratic integrity.
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