Berlin - Billionaire Elon Musk is facing scrutiny in Germany after a government spokesperson confirmed his attempts to influence the upcoming federal elections. Musk's support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, expressed through social media posts and an opinion piece, has drawn sharp criticism and sparked debate about foreign interference in the democratic process.
The German government acknowledged Musk's freedom of expression while noting his attempts to sway public opinion. These efforts included a social media post stating "only the AfD can save Germany," and a subsequent commentary published in Welt am Sonntag, outlining his support for the party's policies on regulation, taxes, and market deregulation.
Musk's endorsement has intensified the already heated political atmosphere in Germany, which is scheduled to hold elections on February 23 following the collapse of the ruling coalition government. The situation was further complicated when the editor of Welt's opinion section resigned in response to the publication of Musk's commentary.
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz described Musk's actions as unprecedented interference in a friendly nation's election campaign. Saskia Esken, co-leader of the Social Democrats, echoed these concerns, vowing resistance against attempts to undermine German democracy by influential figures. In contrast, Welt's editor-in-chief defended publishing the commentary as part of free speech, emphasizing the role of journalism in showcasing diverse viewpoints.
The AfD currently holds second place in opinion polls, posing a challenge to traditional centrist parties. Mainstream parties have so far rejected the prospect of forming a coalition with the AfD. This election's outcome is therefore particularly unpredictable, and the debate surrounding Musk's involvement is likely to continue as the election approaches.
