In brief
Elon Musk has sparked outrage in Germany by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, claiming it offers hope amidst political failures, as the nation braces for upcoming elections.
Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual on the planet and a senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, has ignited a political firestorm in Germany by publicly endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which authorities are scrutinizing for extremist tendencies. Musk criticized mainstream political parties in an opinion piece, asserting that they have failed the country by causing economic stagnation and social discord. His commentary, published in the conservative daily Welt, came just as Germany prepares for snap elections scheduled for February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. The AfD, known for its anti-immigrant stance, is reportedly polling second, garnering approximately 20% support. Musk's comments were met with backlash, leading some journalists at Welt to protest and the resignation of the paper’s head of opinion, Eva Marie Kogel. Amidst a competitive political landscape, with four major parties and three extremist groups vying for power, Musk's involvement underscores a growing global interest in the outcomes of foreign elections and the influence of prominent figures in shaping political discourse.
