Elon Musk plunged headfirst into Germany’s tumultuous election season with a controversial endorsement of Alice Weidel, co-chair of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Musk’s live audio conversation on his platform, X, was as awkward as it was incendiary, with the billionaire mispronouncing Weidel’s name and throwing his weight behind a political figure who has stirred alarm across Europe.
“Germany’s Leading Candidate”?
“Welcome to the conversation with Alice Weidel, who is currently the leading candidate to run Germany, I think,” Musk declared confidently, though incorrectly pronouncing her last name as “Veedle.” Despite his gaffe, Musk enthusiastically engaged with Weidel, aligning himself with her critique of Germany’s educational and bureaucratic systems.
Weidel, whose party is surging in polls ahead of the February 23 national elections, seized the opportunity to amplify her platform. She lambasted what she called Germany’s “wokeish, socialist, leftist agenda” in schools and universities, decrying the focus on “gender studies” over traditional academics.
Musk eagerly echoed her sentiments, warning that the “woke mind virus” has “infected Germany quite badly.” The conversation quickly became a platform for Weidel to present her party’s far-right views under the guise of a casual, uninterrupted dialogue.
A Controversial Platform
The AfD, long criticized for its nationalist and extremist rhetoric, is currently polling second in Germany, raising fears about its potential influence. Weidel’s appearance on Musk’s platform marks a stark departure from traditional campaign methods, leveraging Musk’s global reach to sidestep critical media scrutiny.
Weidel expressed her delight at the opportunity, claiming that mainstream outlets falsely label her party as “extremist” and that the chat allowed her to connect directly with voters. The AfD leader also took aim at Germany’s complex business regulations, a topic Musk eagerly joined, recounting his struggles with German bureaucracy during Tesla’s expansion in the country.
Backlash and European Oversight
Musk’s endorsement of Weidel has triggered widespread condemnation from German officials and international observers. Senior EU officials have expressed concerns about whether Musk’s platform is complying with the bloc’s stringent digital regulations, particularly around election integrity and political endorsements.
The AfD’s rise has already alarmed German and European leaders, and Musk’s uncritical amplification of its views adds fuel to an already volatile political landscape.
What’s at Stake
Germany’s upcoming elections are shaping up to be a defining moment for Europe’s largest economy, with the AfD pushing a nationalist agenda that includes restricting immigration, questioning EU integration, and challenging climate policies. Musk’s involvement—intentional or not—has further internationalized the debate, raising questions about the role of tech billionaires in influencing democratic processes.