In a significant political development, Elon Musk has publicly endorsed Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, stating, "Only the AfD can save Germany." This endorsement has ignited a political uproar just months before the federal election scheduled for February 23, 2024. The AfD is currently polling at approximately 19% and is led by Alice Weidel, who has been vocal about Germany's potential exit from the European Union and has criticized the EU's regulations affecting the automotive industry [e0db2ca3].
Musk's endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from various political factions, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who labeled it as poor political advice. Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) are advocating for increased borrowing to support economic policies, while the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, opposes any new debt [e0db2ca3]. The political landscape in Germany is further complicated by the AfD's rising influence, which is reflected in the recent Brandenburg state election results where the party secured nearly 30% of the vote [b7395b8c].
The political tension is heightened by the backdrop of Germany's substantial military aid to Ukraine, exceeding $11 billion since 2022, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Analysts are concerned about the implications of Musk's endorsement, especially in light of former U.S. President Donald Trump's potential return to power, which could affect U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO spending commitments [e0db2ca3].
This endorsement follows Musk's previous meetings with notable political figures, including Nigel Farage, regarding financial support for the Reform U.K. party. The intersection of Musk's influence and Germany's political dynamics raises questions about the future of Germany's leadership role in Europe as the country navigates rising far-right sentiments and economic challenges [e0db2ca3].