Germany is preparing for elections on February 23 after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government, but recent comments by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk have ignited a political firestorm. Musk’s endorsement of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in an opinion piece published in the influential German newspaper Welt am Sonntag has drawn fierce criticism from leaders across the political spectrum.
Musk, who is set to serve as an advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, has been accused of meddling in Germany’s democratic process, sparking debates about the role of foreign influence in domestic politics.
The controversy began when Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “only the AfD can save Germany.” This statement was later elaborated in an opinion piece for *Welt am Sonntag*, a publication owned by the Axel Springer media group. In the article, Musk praised the AfD’s stances on regulation, taxation, and market deregulation, framing them as policies that could revitalize Germany’s economy.
The endorsement comes at a critical time for Germany, where political uncertainty looms large following the collapse of the Scholz-led coalition. The AfD, traditionally shunned by mainstream parties, has surged in opinion polls and now poses a significant challenge to center-right and center-left political blocs.
Political Backlash
German politicians, including those in the government and opposition, were quick to condemn Musk’s intervention. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) and a leading contender to succeed Scholz as chancellor, described Musk’s comments as unprecedented interference.
“I cannot recall a comparable case of interference, in the history of Western democracies, in the election campaign of a friendly country,” Merz told the *Funke Media Group*. He characterized Musk’s actions as “intrusive and pretentious.”
Saskia Esken, co-leader of Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), went further, accusing Musk of viewing democratic principles as obstacles to profit. “In Elon Musk’s world, democracy and workers’ rights are obstacles to more profit,” she told Reuters. Esken vowed to resist attempts by wealthy individuals or state actors to influence German elections, declaring, “Our democracy is defensible, and it cannot be bought.”
Fallout in Media Circles
The decision by *Welt am Sonntag* to publish Musk’s commentary has also sparked controversy within the German media landscape. The editor of the paper’s opinion section resigned in protest, citing ethical concerns. However, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief designate defended the publication, stating that democracy and journalism thrive on the exchange of diverse opinions, even those that polarize.
This internal disagreement underscores the larger societal debate about the role of the media in facilitating free expression versus the responsibility to guard against undue influence during sensitive political periods.
The AfD’s Growing Influence
The AfD, once considered a fringe party, has grown significantly in recent years, capitalizing on public dissatisfaction with traditional political parties. Its focus on immigration, deregulation, and a Eurosceptic agenda has resonated with certain segments of the population.
According to opinion polls, the AfD is currently running second, making it a potential kingmaker in a fragmented political landscape. However, mainstream parties have repeatedly pledged not to cooperate with the AfD at the national level, citing its controversial positions and rhetoric.
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD has further polarized public opinion, with some viewing it as validation of the party’s economic policies and others as an unwelcome intrusion from an outsider.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about foreign influence in domestic politics. As one of the world’s richest individuals, Musk’s opinions carry significant weight, raising questions about the ethics of leveraging such influence during election periods.
Fears about the erosion of democratic norms have been compounded by the broader geopolitical context, including increased interference in elections by state and non-state actors. For German leaders, Musk’s endorsement of the AfD serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in an interconnected world.
At the heart of the debate lies a tension between upholding freedom of expression and safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes. While proponents of Musk’s right to share his views argue that open dialogue is essential for democracy, critics contend that his involvement sets a dangerous precedent for external meddling in sovereign political affairs.
The resignation of Welt am Sonntag’s opinion editor reflects these conflicting perspectives, as does the robust political backlash from leaders across Germany’s political spectrum.
Elon Musk’s support for the AfD has stirred an intense debate in Germany, touching on issues of democracy, media responsibility, and foreign influence. As Germans prepare to vote in February, the controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between free expression and the need to protect democratic institutions from external pressures.
For now, the fallout from Musk’s commentary continues to reverberate, underscoring the complexities of navigating political discourse in a globalized age. Whether this episode will impact the election remains to be seen, but its implications for Germany’s political and media landscape are undeniable.
