Tech billionaire Elon Musk stirred controversy on Thursday by live-streaming a conversation with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on his social media platform, X. The discussion, viewed by over 190,000 accounts, raised concerns across Europe about Musk’s influence on foreign politics ahead of Germany’s national election in February.
During the live chat, Musk openly endorsed the AfD, stating he “strongly recommended that people vote for AfD.” The pair criticized Germany’s tax policies, immigration levels, and the decision to shut down nuclear power plants, aligning on key party positions. The AfD, which has faced scrutiny from Germany’s domestic intelligence agency for suspected extremism, remains a controversial force in German politics. While the party denies these allegations, mainstream parties have refused to collaborate with it.
Free Speech and AfD’s Rebranding
Musk and Weidel emphasized their shared commitment to free speech during their discussion. Weidel took the opportunity to refute any parallels between the AfD and Nazi Germany, arguing that Adolf Hitler restricted speech and nationalized the economy—positions she contrasted with the AfD’s libertarian views.
This isn’t Musk’s first foray into German politics. He previously authored an article for Welt am Sonntag criticizing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government, claiming Germany is on the brink of “economic and cultural collapse.” His repeated endorsements of the AfD, alongside his critique of Germany’s center-left coalition government, have alarmed political analysts and European officials.
Musk’s Political Interventions Extend Beyond Germany
Musk’s involvement in European politics is not limited to Germany. He has also demanded the release of jailed U.K. anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson and labeled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer “an evil tyrant.” In Poland, concerns are growing that Musk could influence the country’s presidential election in May, reflecting the broader unease about his willingness to use his platform for political advocacy.
The European Commission is closely monitoring Musk’s actions on X, particularly his amplification of politically charged content. Regulators are assessing whether the platform complies with the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to prevent the spread of hate speech and election-related misinformation. Preliminary findings suggest X may be in violation of transparency and accountability rules, with its blue checkmark system singled out for being misleading. Investigations into potential additional violations are ongoing.
AfD’s Rise and the Erosion of Political Taboos
Founded in 2013, the AfD initially focused on opposing eurozone bailouts but shifted further to the right after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 2015 decision to accept large numbers of refugees and migrants. The party has since gained popularity by capitalizing on frustrations with Scholz’s three-party coalition government and concerns about Germany’s EU and NATO commitments, which some view as undermining national sovereignty.
Recent polls indicate that the AfD has become the second-most popular party in Germany, with 20% support compared to 31% for the mainstream Christian Democrats. This surge reflects a weakening of political taboos surrounding far-right parties across Europe.
The Broader Implications of Musk’s Influence
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD underscores the growing influence of tech billionaires in global politics. Critics argue that his actions blur the line between personal opinion and the responsibilities of owning a platform that can amplify political messages to millions. While Musk maintains the right to express his views, European regulators are grappling with how to balance free speech with the potential risks posed by influential platforms like X.
As Germany’s election approaches, the role of social media in shaping political narratives will undoubtedly come under greater scrutiny. For now, Musk’s endorsement of the AfD adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.
