The German government has accused billionaire Elon Musk of attempting to influence the upcoming federal election, scheduled for February, by promoting articles that support the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Officials described the content Musk shared as “nonsense.”
Musk, who is expected to serve as an outside adviser to Donald Trump’s new administration, endorsed the AfD in a guest opinion piece for the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, leading to the resignation of the publication’s commentary editor in protest.
“It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election” through his posts on X and his opinion article, a government spokesperson said. While acknowledging Musk’s right to express his views, the spokesperson added, “After all, freedom of opinion also covers the greatest nonsense.”
As the world’s richest person, Musk has defended his involvement in German politics, citing his “significant investments” in the country. He has praised the AfD’s positions on regulation, taxes, and market deregulation.
His remarks come as Germany gears up for elections following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. Musk has also called for Scholz’s resignation after a tragic incident on December 20, where a car crashed into a Christmas market, resulting in five fatalities.
Currently, the AfD is positioned second in opinion polls, trailing the main opposition conservatives, and could disrupt the possibility of a center-right or center-left majority in the upcoming election. Mainstream German parties have committed not to partner with the AfD at the national level due to its controversial reputation.
The government spokesperson further criticized Musk’s endorsement, calling it a recommendation to vote for a party under surveillance by domestic intelligence for suspected right-wing extremism.
German politicians have condemned Musk’s actions, with Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), comparing him to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming both aim to influence elections and weaken democracy in Germany.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and a leading candidate to succeed Scholz, characterized Musk’s comments as “intrusive and pretentious.”
Credit: CNN
