Elon Musk’s AfD Support Stirs Controversy in German Election: Elon Musk’s Political Endorsement Sparks Controversy in Germany: Elon Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has ignited significant controversy ahead of the country’s federal election scheduled for February 2024. In a guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, Musk described the AfD as Germany’s “last hope,” leading to the resignation of the newspaper’s commentary editor in protest.
The German government has accused Musk of attempting to influence the election, though they acknowledge his freedom of expression. Musk, who is set to serve as an adviser in Donald Trump’s administration, defended his involvement by citing his substantial investments in Germany. He praised the AfD’s stance on regulation, taxes, and market deregulation, and even called for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s resignation following a tragic car incident.
The AfD, currently under investigation for suspected right-wing extremism, has been a polarizing force in German politics. Mainstream parties have pledged not to collaborate with the AfD at the national level. German politicians have sharply criticized Musk’s actions, with some comparing his endorsement to foreign interference aimed at destabilizing Germany.
This incident underscores the complex interplay between global business figures and national politics, raising questions about the influence of foreign endorsements on domestic elections.
