Tensions have risen in Germany following US billionaire Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, sparking accusations of interference in the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23, 2025.
Musk, a vocal supporter of US President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming "efficiency czar," recently posted on his social media platform X, declaring that "only the AfD can save Germany." He later reiterated his support through an opinion piece published in a German Sunday newspaper, further fueling controversy.
German government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann criticised Musk's actions, stating that “elections are decided by voters at the ballot box” and asserting that Germany’s electoral process remains solely a matter for its citizens. While acknowledging Musk’s right to express his views, Hoffmann emphasized that one does not have to agree with them.
Hoffmann also highlighted that several branches of the AfD have been classified as "extremist" by Germany’s domestic security agency, raising concerns over Musk’s endorsement of the party.
Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), likened Musk's actions to Russian President Vladimir Putin's alleged attempts to influence democratic elections, accusing both of seeking to destabilize Germany. Klingbeil called for stronger European measures to curb the political influence of social media platforms like X.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative CDU/CSU opposition, also denounced Musk’s involvement, describing his support for the AfD as “interfering and presumptuous.” Merz stated he could not recall a similar instance of election interference by an ally in the history of Western democracy.
The upcoming election follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. Recent polls place the CDU/CSU opposition in the lead with 32%, followed by the AfD at 19%. The SPD is predicted to achieve its worst-ever result at 16%, while its Green coalition partners are polling at 13%.
Musk has also personally attacked Chancellor Scholz, calling him an “incompetent fool” on X and demanding his resignation after a tragic car-ramming incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. These statements have further deepened tensions between Musk and German political leaders.