BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding Elon Musk’s backing of far-right movements in Europe, deeming it “completely unacceptable.” This statement aligns with Scholz’s earlier critiques of Musk’s involvement in the German electoral landscape.
In recent weeks, Musk has declared that the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the only entity that can “save Germany.” In a controversial move, he live-streamed a discussion with Alice Weidel, the AfD’s candidate for chancellor in the upcoming election scheduled for February 23. This action has drawn significant attention and has raised concerns among political figures regarding the implications of such endorsements.
The Tesla and SpaceX founder’s political interests, particularly following his well-documented financial support for Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. election, have alarmed European officials. He has also publicly called for the release of Tommy Robinson, a British figure known for his anti-Islam views, and criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government as “tyrannical,” suggesting that Starmer deserves imprisonment.
Scholz emphasized the necessity of maintaining composure in the face of personal attacks. He asserted that Germany’s trajectory should be determined by its voters rather than influenced by social media moguls. In response to inquiries about Musk’s political statements, Scholz noted the importance of “addressing the right issues” appropriately.
He remarked, “It is not the mere expression of opinion by a billionaire from abroad that we should criticize but rather the content of what is being said.” Scholz highlighted Musk’s support of far-right ideologies across Europe as a cause for concern, stating, “This is something that is completely unacceptable.”
Further addressing the matter, he noted that such actions jeopardize the democratic progress of Europe and threaten the unity within the continent, which merits serious criticism.
Current polls suggest that the AfD holds a significant position ahead of the election, garnering approximately 20% of voter support. However, Weidel is unlikely to secure the chancellorship, as other political entities have expressed their refusal to collaborate with her party.
Friedrich Merz, the center-right opposition leader, also condemned Musk’s endorsement of the AfD. His Union bloc currently leads in polls, positioning him as the leading contender for Germany’s next chancellor.