Elon Musk Backs Germany’s far-Right AfD, warns of Dire Consequences Without voter support
In a live-streamed conversation on his platform X, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk urged German voters to rally behind the far-right Alternative for germany (AfD) party in the upcoming federal election, warning that “things will get much worse” for the country if they don’t. The tech mogul, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, made the remarks during a discussion with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, the party’s lead candidate in the February 23rd election.
“If people wont change, I strongly recommend they vote AfD.This is a sensible move. Alice Weidel is very reasonable personally, and hopefully, people can tell that from this conversation,” Musk said. “Nothing outrageous is being proposed, just common sense… people need to get behind the AfD or things are going to get much worse for Germany.”
The conversation, which drew up to 205,000 listeners, saw Weidel defend her party against accusations of extremism, insisting the AfD is a “conservative libertarian movement.” She emphasized her vision for a Germany led by “independently-thinking, confident, and educated people,” with a minimized state that prioritizes freedom of speech.
Weidel,a trained economist,criticized former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s policies,claiming her open-door migration policy “ruined our country” and her energy policies “wrecked and destroyed” Germany’s economic backbone. She has long been vocal about her opposition to what she describes as “culturally foreign” immigration, which she argues has led to “the systematic destruction” of German civil society.During the discussion, she also pointed to a surge in “Muslim crime” over the past decade as a consequence of mass immigration.The conversation took a wide-ranging turn, with both musk and Weidel labeling Germany’s current political landscape as “crazy.” They criticized the country’s pivot toward renewable energy, high income taxes, education system, migration policies, and bureaucratic red tape. Musk humorously recounted the challenges of building his factory near Berlin, which required a 25,000-page building permit—enough to fill a truck.
Musk also made headlines during the discussion for his promise of unmanned spaceships to mars within two years and his description of US-Hungarian businessman George Soros as “anti-human.” When asked about Israel, Weidel expressed her “absolute” support for the state but criticized prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for past mistakes.
On the topic of Ukraine, Musk hinted at “strong leadership” from the U.S. under a potential Trump management to end the conflict but provided no specifics. He also expressed confidence that Trump could help broker peace in the Middle East, outlining a personal three-point plan to “eliminate” those seeking to destabilize the region.
The discussion has sparked significant debate, with critics questioning Musk’s endorsement of a party frequently enough labeled as far-right extremist. However, Weidel dismissed such labels, arguing that the AfD represents a pragmatic alternative to Germany’s status quo.| Key Points from Musk-Weidel Conversation |
|———————————————-|
| Musk’s Endorsement: Urged voters to support afd, warning of worsening conditions for Germany without change. |
| Weidel’s Vision: Advocated for a minimized state, freedom of speech, and criticized merkel’s migration and energy policies.|
| Immigration Debate: Weidel linked mass immigration to a rise in “Muslim crime” and the erosion of German civil society.|
| Policy Criticisms: Both criticized Germany’s renewable energy push, high taxes, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. |
| Global Issues: Discussed Israel,Ukraine,and Musk’s plans for Mars and Middle East peace. |
As Germany approaches its federal election, Musk’s endorsement of the AfD has added a new layer of complexity to the political landscape. Whether voters heed his advice remains to be seen,but the conversation has undoubtedly amplified the party’s message on the global stage.
What do you think about Musk’s involvement in German politics? Share your thoughts below.Elon Musk Sparks Controversy in German Politics with Pro-AfD Stance
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has once again found himself at the center of a political storm—this time in Germany. His recent endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has ignited heated debates across the country,drawing criticism from political leaders and media alike.
In an opinion piece published in the conservative German newspaper Welt, Musk argued that the AfD is Germany’s “last hope” to avoid “becoming a shadow of itself.” He criticized traditional political parties for failing to address economic stagnation,social unrest,and the erosion of national identity. “The AfD represents a political realism that is well received by many germans who feel that their concerns are ignored by the establishment,” Musk wrote.
The AfD, which began as an anti-EU bailout party over a decade ago, has since embraced neoliberal economics, xenophobic anti-migration policies, and pro-Russian security stances.Despite its controversial positions, the party has gained significant traction in recent years, topping polls in some regional elections and consistently ranking second in national opinion polls with around 20-21% support.
Musk’s endorsement has further polarized the debate around the AfD, which has been accused of promoting extremist ideologies, including Holocaust relativism and the forced deportation of immigrants—a policy the party euphemistically calls “remigration.” AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has defended these policies as “law enforcement” measures targeting individuals without residence permits or those who commit crimes.
Musk’s Defense of the AfD
Musk dismissed claims that the AfD is a right-wing extremist party, pointing to Weidel’s same-sex relationship with a Sri Lankan woman as evidence. “Does that sound like Hitler? I ask you,” he quipped, drawing a sharp contrast between the AfD and the Nazi regime.
However, his comments have been met with widespread criticism. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded dismissively, stating, “I don’t believe in courting Mr. Musk’s favor. I’m happy to leave that to others. The rule is: don’t feed the troll.”
Media Backlash and Defense
The publication of Musk’s opinion piece in Welt also sparked controversy within the media landscape. Jan Philipp Burghard, the publisher of Welt, defended the decision to run the article, arguing that it was crucial to present diverse viewpoints. Burghard himself penned a counter-argument, highlighting the risks of legitimizing the AfD’s extremist policies.
The debate has also drawn attention to the broader role of media in shaping political discourse. The Springer media group, which owns Welt, has been accused of providing a platform for far-right ideologies, further complicating the narrative around Musk’s intervention.
Political Shifts in Germany
The AfD’s rise has forced other political parties to reconsider their strategies. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as a notable example, has faced internal divisions over how to respond to the AfD’s growing influence. CDU leader Friedrich Merz recently stirred controversy by suggesting that dual citizens who commit crimes in Germany should lose their German passports—a proposal seen by some as an attempt to appeal to AfD voters.
Key Points at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Musk’s AfD Endorsement | Called the AfD Germany’s “last hope” to avoid decline. |
| afd’s policies | Anti-migration, pro-Russian, and neoliberal economic stances. |
| Controversial “Remigration”| Forced deportation of immigrants and non-ethnic German citizens.|
| Media reaction | Welt publisher defended Musk’s piece, sparking debate over media ethics. |
| Political Impact | AfD’s rise has pressured other parties, including the CDU, to shift stances.|
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s foray into German politics has underscored the deep divisions within the country’s political landscape. While his endorsement of the AfD has energized the party’s base, it has also drawn sharp criticism from those who view the afd’s policies as a threat to germany’s democratic values. As the debate continues, the role of media, political leaders, and public figures like Musk will remain under scrutiny, shaping the future of German politics in the process.
For more on Musk’s political engagements, read about his clashes with Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer in the UK. Additionally, explore the broader implications of social media regulation in the EU here.Elon Musk Sparks Controversy in germany with Support for Far-right AfD Party
In a move that has ignited a firestorm of debate, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has been accused by the german government of attempting to influence the country’s upcoming February election. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has publicly endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, drawing sharp criticism from German officials and sparking a broader conversation about foreign interference in domestic politics.
Musk’s support for the AfD, a party often criticized for its nationalist and anti-immigrant stance, has been met with mixed reactions. While some German media outlets have defended his right to voice his opinions, others have accused him of overstepping boundaries.The controversy has also reignited discussions about the role of global figures in shaping national political landscapes.
Musk’s Defense: A Call for Debate
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In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ), Musk defended his actions, stating that his comments where intended to spark “a worldwide debate about the consequences of an in-part right-wing extremist party taking power in Germany.” He accused critics of hypocrisy, pointing out that German politicians have previously intervened in U.S. elections by denouncing former president Donald Trump as “dangerous and shameful.”
Musk also highlighted the publication of an opinion piece by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Die Zeit in 2021, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, as evidence of double standards. “If foreign leaders can comment on German politics, why can’t I?” Musk questioned.
Mixed Reactions in Germany
While Musk’s interventions have drawn ire from many, they have also found support in certain quarters.The right-wing nationalist portal Achgut praised Musk for his critique of Germany’s bureaucratic system,which he has experienced firsthand through his €5.6 billion investment in a Tesla factory near Berlin. “He probably knows more about Germany’s metastatic bureaucratic monster than the entire government,” the portal commented.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel also came to Musk’s defense, dismissing criticism as part of a campaign orchestrated by “questionable” non-governmental organizations. “It threatens the left’s dominance of discourse,” she wrote on Twitter/X. “Elon Musk gives freedom a path.”
A Touch of Humor Amid Controversy
Not all of Musk’s interventions have been met with outrage. Some, like his description of germany’s largely ceremonial federal president Frank Walter Steinmeier as an “undemocratic tyrant,” have been met with amusement rather than anger. These lighter moments have provided a brief respite from the otherwise heated debate surrounding his political stance.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Musk’s Endorsement | Public support for the far-right AfD party ahead of Germany’s February election. |
| German Government’s Response | Accused Musk of election interference, sparking a diplomatic row. |
| Musk’s Defense | Claims his comments aim to spark global debate, accuses critics of hypocrisy. |
| Support from AfD | Alice Weidel defends Musk, calling criticism a threat to free discourse. |
| Media Reactions | Mixed,with some outlets praising Musk’s critique of bureaucracy. |
The Broader Implications
Musk’s involvement in German politics raises critically importent questions about the influence of global figures on national elections. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the line between free speech and foreign interference continues to blur. Whether Musk’s actions will have a lasting impact on Germany’s political landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate he has sparked is far from over.
what do you think about Elon Musk’s involvement in German politics? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
Far-right AfD party, Elon Musk has sparked a significant controversy in Germany, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders, media outlets, and the public. The AfD, known for its nationalist, anti-immigrant, and pro-Russian stances, has been accused of promoting extremist ideologies, including Holocaust relativism and the controversial policy of “remigration,” which advocates for the forced deportation of immigrants and non-ethnic German citizens.
musk’s defense of the afd, notably his dismissal of claims that the party is extremist, has been met wiht widespread backlash. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded dismissively, suggesting that Musk’s comments were not worth engaging with. meanwhile, the publication of Musk’s opinion piece in Welt has reignited debates about media ethics and the role of media in legitimizing far-right ideologies.
The AfD’s rise in German politics has forced other parties, such as the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to reconsider their strategies.The CDU, for instance, has faced internal divisions over how to respond to the AfD’s growing influence, with some members proposing policies that appear to cater to AfD voters.
Musk’s intervention has underscored the deep divisions within Germany’s political landscape and raised questions about the influence of global figures on national politics. As the debate continues, the role of media, political leaders, and public figures like Musk will remain under scrutiny, shaping the future of german politics in the process.
For more on Musk’s political engagements, read about his clashes with Nigel Farage and keir Starmer in the UK. Additionally, explore the broader implications of social media regulation in the EU here.
Key Points at a Glance
| Topic | details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Musk’s AfD Endorsement | Called the AfD Germany’s “last hope” to avoid decline. |
| AfD’s Policies | Anti-migration, pro-Russian, and neoliberal economic stances. |
| Controversial “Remigration”| Forced deportation of immigrants and non-ethnic German citizens.|
| Media Reaction | Welt publisher defended Musk’s piece, sparking debate over media ethics. |
| Political Impact | AfD’s rise has pressured other parties, including the CDU, to shift stances.|
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s foray into German politics has highlighted the deep divisions within the country’s political landscape. While his endorsement of the AfD has energized the party’s base, it has also drawn sharp criticism from those who view the AfD’s policies as a threat to Germany’s democratic values. As the debate continues, the role of media, political leaders, and public figures like Musk will remain under scrutiny, shaping the future of German politics in the process.
