Billionaire entrepreneur and upcoming US administration figure Elon Musk has drawn international criticism after endorsing Germany’s far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) amid the country’s ongoing political turmoil.
On Friday, Musk posted on his social media platform X, “Only AfD can save Germany,” sharing a video of far-right activist Naomi Sebut. It comes just weeks before Germany’s snap election, triggered by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government.
The AfD, known for its anti-immigrant and democratic stance, is currently polling in second place but has faced accusations of promoting extremist ideology.
Effect of musk
Musk’s public support of the AfD included praise for its immigration policies, calling them “reasonable”. He also followed AfD leader Alice Wiedel at X, who expressed gratitude and described the AfD as Germany’s “last resort”.
Musk criticized Scholz as an “incompetent idiot” after the deadly car attack in Magdeburg, intensifying the political debate.
The German government issued a muted response, dismissing Musk’s comments as not “good political advice,” stressing freedom of speech. However, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called Musk’s actions “disgraceful and troubling”, accusing him of possible election interference.
Musk’s support of far-right causes is not limited to Germany. He has previously supported anti-immigration movements in the UK and Italy, and praised Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Maile.
The rise of the AfD
The AfD has gained traction with its “Germany First” platform, appealing to voters disaffected with traditional parties.
However, the party remains controversial, with elements classified as extremist by German intelligence. It recently became the first far-right party since the Nazi era to win a state election, but mainstream parties have refused to cooperate with it at the federal level.
(With contributions from CNN, The Guardian)
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