Elon Musk is extending his influence beyond American politics, publicly backing Germany’s far-right political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), following the collapse of the German government earlier this week.
On Friday, Musk, a billionaire and prominent ally of Donald Trump, shared his support for the AfD in a social media post. “Only the AfD can save Germany,” he wrote, reposting a video from far-right activist Naomi Seibt.
EDITOR’S PICKS
The AfD has gained traction recently with its populist and anti-immigrant “Germany First” stance but has faced accusations of reviving Nazi-era rhetoric and ideology. In May, a German court allowed the country’s domestic intelligence agency to continue monitoring the party, citing the alleged threat it poses to democracy.
The party’s youth wing, the Young Alternative (JA), is officially classified as an extremist organization by German authorities. Additionally, Björn Höcke, a prominent AfD figure in Thuringia, was convicted earlier this year for violating German laws prohibiting the use of Nazi slogans in public.
Despite these controversies, AfD’s support has surged. It recently became the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since the Nazi era. However, mainstream German political parties have collectively ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, leaving its path to governance uncertain.
It’s not the first time Musk has waded into German politics. In June, he responded to a video of Seibt’s asking “Why is there such a negative reaction from some about AfD? They keep saying ‘far right,’ but the policies of AfD that I’ve read about don’t sound extremist. Maybe I’m missing something,” he wrote. And last month he labelled German Chancellor Olaf Scholz a “fool” after his governing coalition collapsed.
On Friday, Elon Musk continued to express support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, responding to a user’s post about the party’s immigration policies by saying they “sound reasonable.”
CEO of X, Elon Musk
Musk also began following AfD leader Alice Weidel on his social media platform, X. Weidel responded to Musk’s endorsement with a video message expressing her gratitude.
“Alternative for Germany is indeed the one and only alternative for our country; our very last option. I wish you and President Donald Trump all the best for the upcoming tenure!” she wrote.
Christian Lindner, leader of Germany’s pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), weighed in, cautioning Musk against his public support for the AfD.
“While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom, business—and it’s a far-right extremist party,” Lindner posted on X, urging Musk not to “rush to conclusions from afar.”
Musk’s recent statements are part of an increasing alignment with far-right causes in Europe. Earlier this year, he commented on anti-immigration riots in the UK, stating on X that “civil war is inevitable” in response to a post blaming the unrest on “mass migration and open borders.”
This week, British populist politician and Trump ally Nigel Farage revealed that Musk is considering funding his Reform UK party. Writing in the Telegraph, Farage claimed Musk was “right behind us” after a meeting and was engaged in “ongoing negotiations” to provide financial support.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara…
In anticipation of its 50th anniversary, Epe Club, a distinguished institution in the Epe Division,…
The Nigerian Army Council has recently approved the promotion of 108 senior officers to the…