Elon Musk has endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, claiming it is the only party that can save Germany. His comments follow a post from influencer Naomi Seibt, known for her extremist views. Musk’s endorsement received backlash from figures like Senator Chris Murphy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The AfD party, gaining support in polls, has controversial positions aligning with Musk’s stances on Ukraine and Russia.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a known supporter of former President Donald Trump, has publicly expressed his endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the upcoming elections, asserting in a post on X, “Only the AfD can save Germany.” This statement gained traction following a shared post from right-wing influencer Naomi Seibt, who criticized the current political leadership in Germany for not aligning with Musk’s views.
Musk’s endorsement has sparked significant backlash, particularly from political figures like Senator Chris Murphy, who described him as an “out of touch billionaire” who supports extremist ideologies. Moreover, Murphy emphasized the troubling history of the AfD, stating, “The AfD’s mission is to rehabilitate the image of the Nazi movement” and pointed out that some of the party’s members have made inflammatory remarks regarding Judaism. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the current leader of Germany’s Social Democrats, rejected Musk’s claims about the AfD’s potential to contribute positively to Germany’s future.
The AfD party has been gaining traction in polls, currently positioned second as the German elections approach. This rise follows the collapse of the left-wing coalition under Scholz’s leadership. Notably, the AfD is known for its controversial stances against support for Ukraine and for its opposition to sanctions on Russia, positions that align with Musk’s expressed views.
Beyond Germany, Musk has shown support for right-wing politicians across Europe and South America, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s President Javier Milei. Musk’s influence in political spheres, particularly through substantial donations during past U.S. elections, has raised concerns regarding the intersection of technology, business, and extreme politics. Tesla’s recent performance in Europe indicates challenges ahead as the market adapts to changing consumer demands and political climates, particularly amid a significant decline in electric vehicle sales this year.
Historically, the AfD has criticized Tesla’s factory in Germany and has been skeptical of electric vehicles, framing them within an ideological context that may not favor domestic automotive industries. Given the current political landscape, Musk’s endorsement of the AfD is likely to intensify scrutiny of his business operations, as well as broader implications for EU relations and corporate responsibility in political engagement.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is a far-right political entity known for its nationalist and anti-immigration stances, and it has gained momentum in German politics, placing second in polls ahead of the upcoming elections. The party often faced criticism for its extremist views, including attempts to rehabilitate the image of the Nazi regime. Under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Social Democrats faced challenges as their coalition government collapsed, leading to a more fragmented political landscape. Elon Musk’s involvement in politics is not recent; his financial support for Trump in the past has shown his alignment with right-wing ideologies, raising concerns about the implications of such endorsements on global politics and societal values. Also, Musk’s ongoing influence through social media places his opinions at the forefront of political discourse, often swaying public opinion among his millions of followers.
Elon Musk’s endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany party highlights the growing intersection of business leaders and extreme political movements. His comments have ignited controversy, drawing criticism from various political figures and shining a light on the AfD’s troubling history. As Germany prepares for elections, the implications of Musk’s influence extend beyond national politics, raising crucial discussions about the role of corporate leaders in shaping political ideologies. Amid a challenging automotive market in Europe, Musk’s political endorsements could further complicate Tesla’s standing within the region.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
