Elon Musk has ignited a political firestorm in Germany with his public endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In an op-ed published in Welt am Sonntag, the billionaire entrepreneur called the AfD the “last spark of hope” for Germany, accusing the country’s traditional political parties of leading Europe’s largest economy toward “economic and cultural collapse.”
Musk’s endorsement comes just weeks before Germany’s snap elections on February 23, further fueling an already contentious political landscape. The fallout from Musk’s controversial remarks has been swift, with political leaders, journalists, and the public sharply divided over the Tesla CEO’s foray into German politics.
Musk’s Controversial Claims
In the op-ed, Musk argued that his investments in Germany, including Tesla’s Gigafactory near Berlin, give him a stake in the country’s future. He lambasted Germany’s traditional political parties for ignoring the concerns of ordinary citizens and claimed the AfD represents “political realism” that resonates with disillusioned voters.
“The AfD can save Germany from becoming a shadow of its former self,” Musk wrote. He dismissed accusations of the party being far-right, citing AfD leader Alice Weidel’s same-sex partnership with a Sri Lankan woman as evidence against the label. “Does that sound like Hitler to you? Come on!” Musk quipped.
Backlash Across the Political Spectrum
Musk’s remarks drew sharp criticism from Germany’s political elite. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, poised to become Germany’s next chancellor, called Musk’s comments “intrusive and presumptuous,” warning that the AfD’s Eurosceptic policies would harm Germany’s economy.
“Elon Musk must have overlooked a few things when drafting his commentary,” Merz posted on social media. “The exit from the EU advocated by the AfD would massively damage the German economy and jobs in our country.”
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz also weighed in, dismissing Musk’s endorsement as misguided. “Freedom of speech also means you can say things that are not right and do not contain good political advice,” Scholz remarked.
Resignation at Welt and Public Outcry
The op-ed’s publication triggered internal dissent at Welt am Sonntag. Eva Marie Kogel, the paper’s opinion editor, resigned in protest, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print.”
Musk’s growing alignment with populist-right leaders in Europe, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, has raised concerns among critics about his influence on global politics. His endorsement of the AfD has amplified debates about the role of billionaires in shaping democratic processes.
The AfD’s Rising Fortunes
Polling at 19%, the AfD is positioned to become Germany’s largest opposition party after February’s elections, trailing only the conservative alliance led by Merz, which commands 31%. The party’s anti-immigration stance and Eurosceptic rhetoric have resonated with a significant segment of the electorate, though it remains polarizing.
Musk’s endorsement is likely to embolden the AfD’s supporters while galvanizing opposition to the party among mainstream voters. Political analysts warn that the controversy could either boost AfD’s visibility or alienate undecided voters wary of extremism.
Musk Defends His Position
In the face of mounting criticism, Musk has defended his remarks, arguing that he has a right to speak out on issues affecting Germany. On his social media platform X, he reiterated his support for the AfD, stating, “I believe in free speech and in discussing hard truths. Germany needs a new direction, and the AfD is the only party offering one.”
Implications for the Election
Musk’s op-ed has added a volatile element to Germany’s already heated electoral race. While it remains unclear how much influence his endorsement will have, the controversy underscores the growing intersection of global business and national politics. Whether Musk’s remarks will sway voters or backfire against the AfD, the billionaire’s intervention has undeniably shifted the narrative in the lead-up to February’s snap elections.