Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD), speaks at a press conference, on the day she is expected to be announced as officially nominated candidate for Chancellor for the upcoming general elections, in Berlin, Germany December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo
Elon Musk to Host AfD Leader Alice Weidel on X, Raising Election Interference Concerns
Elon Musk is set to host Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on his social media platform X on Thursday, intensifying fears in Berlin and Brussels over his potential influence on Germany’s upcoming national election scheduled for February 23.
Musk’s Political Engagement in Europe
Musk, who used X and his wealth to support Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president, has become an outspoken supporter of anti-establishment and far-right parties across Europe. His endorsement of the AfD last month marked a significant intervention in German politics, with Musk praising the party’s stance on deregulation and taxes while criticizing Germany’s center-left leadership.
- Musk labeled German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier a “tyrant” for criticizing the AfD and called for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s resignation following a car attack on a Christmas market.
- European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and France’s foreign minister, have raised concerns about Musk’s growing political activities and their implications for democratic processes.
AfD’s Growing Popularity
The AfD is polling at 21.5%, according to INSA, solidly in second place behind the conservative bloc (31%) and ahead of Scholz’s Social Democrats (15.5%). Critics worry Musk’s endorsement may further legitimize the party, which is labeled as right-wing extremist by German security agencies and shunned by other political parties.
- Hermann Binkert, head of INSA, said Musk’s support has helped reduce the stigma surrounding the AfD.
- Weidel, the AfD’s chancellor candidate and an economist fluent in English and Mandarin, is expected to use the livestream to reach a wider audience.
Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny
Musk’s planned livestream with Weidel has attracted the attention of European and German authorities:
- European Commission: The discussion will be scrutinized under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to avoid preferential treatment of certain types of content.
- German Parliament: Officials are investigating whether the livestream constitutes illegal campaign interference or violates campaign finance laws, potentially classifying it as political advertising.
- LobbyControl: The advocacy group raised concerns about transparency and whether the talk should be regulated under campaign finance rules.
Weidel’s spokesperson dismissed these allegations, asserting that the livestream is “totally legitimate” and not a form of political donation.
Broader Implications
Musk’s involvement in German politics has sparked a broader debate about the influence of powerful private individuals on democratic processes. His defense rests on his significant investments in Germany, including Tesla’s European Gigafactory.
Klaus Mueller, head of Germany’s Federal Network Agency, said it is up to citizens to decide whether to engage with the content but warned against algorithmic manipulation.
European Reaction
The controversy highlights a growing concern in Europe about Musk’s influence, with leaders wary of his role in shaping political narratives. The upcoming livestream could have significant implications for Germany’s election and serve as a test case for regulating political discourse on social media platforms under EU law.
As Musk continues to assert his presence in European politics, his actions are likely to face increased scrutiny from both national governments and supranational bodies like the European Union.
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