WARSAW, Poland — Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk recently livestreamed a conversation with Alice Weidel, a prominent leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. During this event on his social media platform, X, Musk aimed to bolster the party’s visibility just before the upcoming national election, prompting concerns across Europe regarding his influence on foreign political matters.
Musk expressed strong support for Weidel, who serves as the AfD’s candidate for chancellor, urging viewers to vote for the party, which he referred to by its acronym. The live stream garnered significant attention, with viewership exceeding 200,000 accounts at one point. The discussions touched on several contentious issues, including high taxes, immigration concerns, and criticism of the country’s decision to phase out nuclear energy.
Musk articulated hopes that the dialogue would portray Weidel as a rational choice for governance, asserting, “Nothing outrageous has been proposed, just common sense.” He cautioned that public support for the AfD is vital to prevent worsening conditions in Germany.
However, the AfD is under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence due to alleged extremist ties, with mainstream political entities generally avoiding collaboration with the party. The AfD has vociferously denied these allegations, arguing they are politically motivated efforts to undermine the party’s credibility.
During their exchange, both Musk and Weidel highlighted the importance of free speech. Weidel vehemently rejected any comparisons between the AfD and Germany’s Nazi past, stating that significant censorship was one of Adolf Hitler’s earliest policies after seizing power. She aimed to illustrate that the AfD’s principles lean more towards libertarianism, contrasting it with Hitler’s nationalization agenda.
Weidel further remarked, “The biggest success after that terrible era in our history was to label Adolf Hitler as right and conservative. He was exactly the opposite. He wasn’t a conservative. He wasn’t a libertarian. He was a communist socialist guy.”
The conversation later shifted from politics, as Weidel inquired about Musk’s views on potential human life on Mars and his beliefs regarding God, to which Musk provided lengthy but unclear responses. At one point, he conveyed an openness to the idea of God.
In closing, Weidel complimented Musk, calling his ideas “visionary.” Musk has previously used his platform to express support for the AfD and has criticized the leadership of current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, arguing that the nation is on the brink of economic and cultural failure. The forthcoming election in Germany is set for February 23.
Musk’s engagement in political discussions is sparking unease throughout Europe. Alongside his endorsement of the AfD, he has also called for the release of controversial figures such as Tommy Robinson and denounced British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in severe terms.
The European Commission is closely monitoring the discourse between Musk and Weidel, reflecting ongoing concerns about the potential misuse of social media in amplifying harmful content. The Commission has raised concerns under the Digital Services Act, which is designed to mitigate risks associated with social media platforms and ensure user safety.
Despite Musk presenting Weidel as a preeminent candidate for chancellor, polls indicate otherwise. The Christian Democratic Union remains the strongest party with an estimated 31% support, compared to 20% for the AfD. Nevertheless, the AfD’s popularity has risen, mirroring a broader trend in Europe where far-right views are becoming more accepted politically.
Since its establishment in 2013, the AfD has shifted increasingly rightward. Originally focused on opposing EU bailouts, its fierce stance against the influx of refugees during Angela Merkel’s tenure positioned it as a formidable player in German politics. Discontent with Scholz’s coalition government and growing skepticism towards EU and NATO involvement reflect the rising tide of support for the AfD.
