Elon Musk is extending his influence beyond U.S. politics, publicly endorsing the far-right German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) amidst political turmoil in Germany.
The billionaire, known for his support of former U.S. President Donald Trump, posted on Friday in favor of the AfD, following the collapse of the German government earlier this week. “Only the AfD can save Germany,” Musk wrote while re-sharing a video from far-right activist Naomi Seibt.
The AfD, which has gained significant popularity in recent years, advocates populist and anti-immigrant policies under a “Germany first” platform. However, the party has faced accusations of reviving Nazi-era ideologies, with its youth arm, the Young Alternative (JA), being labeled a “confirmed extremist” organization by German authorities. In May, a court ruling allowed Germany’s domestic intelligence agency to continue monitoring the AfD, citing concerns about its potential threat to democracy. Additionally, party leader Björn Höcke was convicted this year for publicly using Nazi slogans in violation of German laws.
Despite these controversies, the AfD has seen growing support and recently made history by becoming the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since the Nazi era. However, all of Germany’s mainstream political parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, which is necessary for achieving a ruling majority.
Musk’s involvement in German politics isn’t new. In June, he expressed support for Seibt’s video questioning the negative portrayal of the AfD, claiming the party’s policies didn’t seem extremist. Last month, Musk also criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling him a “fool” after his governing coalition collapsed.
Musk continued his endorsement on Friday, responding to a user’s comment on the AfD’s immigration policy by stating that it “sounds reasonable.” He also began following AfD leader Alice Weidel on X, to which Weidel responded with a video thanking Musk for his support, calling the AfD “the one and only alternative for our country” and wishing him and Trump well.
In contrast, Christian Lindner, leader of Germany’s pro-business Free Democratic Party, urged Musk to reconsider his stance. “While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom, business – and it’s a far-right extremist party,” Lindner stated.
Musk has increasingly aligned himself with far-right causes across Europe. Earlier this year, he inflamed tensions in the UK by suggesting that “civil war is inevitable” following violent anti-immigration riots, which he attributed to “mass migration and open borders.”
Additionally, far-right British politician Nigel Farage claimed earlier this week that Musk was considering funding his Reform UK party, after a meeting where Musk allegedly expressed strong support for their cause and discussed financial contributions.
Musk’s growing involvement in European politics has sparked controversy, with critics warning of the dangers of his influence on far-right movements.
December 22, 2024 6:36 pm
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