In a move that has sent shockwaves through European politics, billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk publicly endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country’s upcoming national election. During a live-streamed discussion with Alice Weidel, AfD’s candidate for chancellor, Musk urged voters to rally behind the party, warning of dire consequences if they did not.
Conversation, broadcast on Musk’s social media platform X, drew more than 190,000 viewers. Musk introduced Weidel as the “leading candidate to run Germany,” declaring, “Only AfD can save Germany. End of story.” His remarks come as Germany grapples with economic uncertainty, debates over immigration policy, and an ongoing energy crisis.
Musk’s Growing Political Influence
Known for his outspoken views, Musk’s endorsement of AfD marks a significant escalation in his political interventions. Once primarily focused on technology and innovation, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has increasingly weighed in on global political issues, often aligning with right-wing and libertarian ideologies. His support for AfD follows a series of social media posts and an opinion piece in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, where he criticized Germany’s energy policies, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and immigration practices.
Musk’s interest in Germany is particularly notable given the country’s status as Europe’s largest economy and a key location for Tesla’s operations. The company opened its first European factory near Berlin in 2022, underscoring Musk’s economic ties to the region.
Controversial Comparisons and Accusations
During the live stream, Musk and Weidel accused German authorities and media outlets of unfairly targeting AfD. Musk drew a controversial parallel, likening the media’s treatment of the party to Adolf Hitler’s persecution of pro-Jewish voices in the 1930s. “People love to censor things they don’t agree with,” Musk said, dismissing criticism of AfD as exaggerated.
Weidel echoed Musk’s sentiments, calling for a return to “common sense” policies and criticizing Germany’s “crazy” transition away from nuclear energy. AfD has long positioned itself as a defender of traditional values and a critic of what it calls “uncontrolled immigration” and “climate hysteria.”
Global Reaction
Musk’s comments have drawn a mixed response from political leaders worldwide. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, defended Musk’s right to express his views, stating, “Elon Musk is a very well-known and wealthy person who expresses his ideas. I do not see this danger to democracy.” Meloni’s government is reportedly considering a communications security contract with Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX.
Conversely, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized Musk’s involvement, accusing him of undermining democratic norms without naming him directly. France’s foreign minister has called on the European Union to strengthen its safeguards against foreign influence, suggesting Musk’s actions could destabilize political processes across the continent.
Domestic Backlash
In Germany, Musk’s endorsement has fueled heated debate. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a member of center-left Social Democrats (SPD), labeled Musk’s comments “irresponsible and damaging to democratic discourse.” Chancellor Olaf Scholz, also of SPD, faced criticism from Musk after a recent deadly car attack on a Christmas market. Musk called on Scholz to resign, further inflaming tensions.
Implications for Democracy
Musk’s endorsement of AfD raises broader questions about the role of wealthy individuals in democratic processes. Critics argue that Musk’s immense influence, amplified by his control of a major social media platform, allows him to shape public opinion and political outcomes in ways that undermine democratic norms.
AfD, which has faced accusations of fostering xenophobia and anti-Islamic sentiments, has struggled to gain mainstream acceptance in Germany. Musk’s endorsement may lend the party new credibility among his millions of followers but risks deepening political polarization.
A Precedent for Billionaire Activism?
Musk’s growing involvement in politics mirrors a broader trend of billionaires leveraging his wealth and platforms to influence public policy. With Musk poised to play an advisory role in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, his endorsements and policy positions may carry even greater weight in years to come.
As Germany heads to polls, Musk’s intervention has added a new layer of complexity to an already contentious election. Whether his endorsement will bolster AfD or provoke a backlash remains to be seen, but controversy underscores the challenges of navigating the intersection of wealth, technology, and politics in the 21st century.
