Janice R. Andrews
Germany Uneasy as Musk Supports Far-Right AfD
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has raised alarms over Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In an interview with Stern magazine, Scholz warned that Musk’s backing of a party known for divisive policies poses a serious threat to German democracy as snap elections approach on February 23.
The AfD, which has gained traction in eastern Germany and now polls at around 20%, is under investigation by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency as a suspected right-wing extremist organization. Musk’s endorsement has further inflamed political tensions during an already volatile election season.
Musk’s Endorsement and Planned Talk with AfD Leader
Musk recently voiced his support for the AfD in an opinion article published in Welt am Sonntag. Critics have accused the party of advocating policies that favor closer ties with Russia and undermine Germany’s transatlantic alliances. Musk’s planned live discussion with AfD leader Alice Weidel on X Spaces, scheduled for January 9, has only heightened concerns.
Scholz Responds to Musk’s Criticism
Scholz, a leading figure in the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), brushed off Musk’s personal attacks, which included calling him a “fool” and labeling President Frank-Walter Steinmeier an “undemocratic tyrant.” The chancellor emphasized that such insults from wealthy media moguls are nothing new, but Musk’s endorsement of the AfD is far more troubling.
Scholz suggested Musk’s recent comments stem from dissatisfaction with German government policies, specifically a 2022 disagreement over federal subsidies for electric vehicle charging stations. Tesla, Musk’s company, runs its own charging network in Germany and has opposed public funding for competitors.
Habeck: Musk’s Actions a Threat to Democracy
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck took a stronger stance, calling Musk’s actions a “direct attack on democracy.” In an interview with Spiegel, Habeck criticized Musk’s growing influence over political discourse, warning against the dangerous combination of immense wealth, control over information platforms, and disregard for democratic norms.
Habeck condemned Musk’s open support for a party linked to extremist ideologies, labeling it “both appalling and perilous.” He urged vigilance, cautioning that dismissing Musk’s actions could embolden similar threats to democratic institutions.
A Wake-Up Call for German Democracy
Musk’s growing involvement in German politics has unsettled leaders and analysts, who fear his influence could sway public opinion and undermine democratic stability. The AfD’s surge in popularity and Musk’s backing highlight broader concerns about the intersection of wealth, media power, and political influence.
As Germany nears its snap elections, Scholz and other leaders are urging unity to counteract what they see as a destabilizing force. “We cannot underestimate the impact of someone with such resources and reach,” Habeck warned.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s endorsement of the far-right AfD has injected new tensions into Germany’s political landscape. With the elections just weeks away, the country faces a critical test of its democratic resilience amid rising populism and external interference. How Germany navigates these challenges will have lasting implications for its political future.
