Elon Musk sparks controversy in Germany over AfD endorsement

A social media post by Elon Musk endorsing Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has ignited backlash and accusations of election interference.

Musk, writing on his platform X, claimed that the AfD is the only party capable of "saving Germany," prompting sharp reactions from politicians across the political spectrum.

Alice Weidel, the AfD’s candidate for chancellor, enthusiastically welcomed Musk’s support.

She responded: "Yes! You’re absolutely right, @elonmusk! Please check out my interview about President Trump, Merkel’s socialist legacy, the destructive Soviet European Union, and Germany’s economic decline!"

Mainstream German politicians, however, expressed outrage.

Dennis Radtke, a Member of the European Parliament from the centre-right CDU, called Musk’s comments "irritating and unacceptable," accusing the billionaire of meddling in Germany’s election.

According to German media, Radtke also labelled Musk a "threat to democracy" and criticised X as a platform for spreading disinformation.

Alex Schaefer of the centre-left SPD denounced Musk’s remarks as "completely unacceptable," emphasising the importance of standing firm against foreign interference.

Meanwhile, former finance minister Christian Lindner of the FDP acknowledged Musk’s past influence on some of his policies but cautioned him against supporting the AfD. "The AfD opposes freedom, business, and democracy — it’s a far-right extremist party," Lindner tweeted.

Musk later doubled down on his position, asserting that the AfD’s platform represents "common sense policies" and rejecting the label of "far-right."

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose government collapsed last month over budget disputes, took a more measured approach.

Scholz affirmed Musk’s right to express his opinions, adding that "freedom of expression includes the freedom to be wrong."

The controversy comes as Germany prepares for its upcoming election on 23 February, following the implosion of Scholz’s coalition government.

Political leaders across Germany remain united in rejecting any collaboration with the AfD, underscoring the party’s controversial position in the political landscape.