This article was originally published in English
Elon Musk's support for Germany's far-right AfD party has drawn condemnation from mainstream politicians, who have accused him of election interference and promoting extremism ahead of February elections.
ADVERTISING
A social media post by Elon Musk endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has sparked backlash and accusations of election interference.
Musk, writing on his Platform X, said that The AfD is the only party capable of “saving Germany“, prompting piqued reactions from politicians across the political spectrum.
AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel enthusiastically welcomed Musk's support. “Yes, you are absolutely right, Elon Musk! Please check out my interview on President Trump, Merkel's socialist legacy, the destructive Soviet European Union, and Germany's economic decline!”
German policy against Musk's interference
Top German politicians, however, expressed outrage. Dennis Radtke, a member of the European Parliament for the centre-right CDU, called Musk's comments “irritating and unacceptable”, accusing the billionaire of meddling in the German elections. According to German media, Radtke also called Musk a “threat to democracy” and criticized X as a platform for spreading disinformation.
Alex Schaefer, of the center-left SPD party, denounced Musk's remarks as “completely unacceptable“, underlining the importance of standing firm against foreign interference.
Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP acknowledged Musk's past influence on some of his policies but warned him against supporting the AfD. “The AfD opposes freedom, business and democracy – it is a far-right party,” Lindner wrote in his post.
Musk's reaction to criticism against him
Musk then reiterated his position, stating that the AfD platform represents “common sense policies” and rejecting the label of “far right“.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose government collapsed last month over budget disputes, has taken a more measured approach.
Scholz affirmed Musk's right to express his opinions, adding that “freedom of expression includes the freedom to be wrong.” The controversy comes as Germany prepares for elections on February 23, after the implosion of Scholz's coalition government.
German political leaders are united in rejecting any collaboration with the AfD, underlining the party's controversial position in the political landscape.
