Musk's Unexpected Support for AfD Surprises German Political Scene

In a twist of political fate, Elon Musk's engagement with the AfD touches on the complexities surrounding far-right parties in Europe.

In a surprising turn of events in German politics, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and influential figure, extended a congratulatory phone call to Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, after they secured a historic second place in the recent national elections. Despite not achieving the desired victory, the party celebrated a notable leap, polling at 20.8 percent—nearly doubling their results from the 2021 elections, marking it as the best performance of any far-right party in Germany since World War II.

Weidel recounted that she awoke to find a missed call from Musk the following morning, revealing his personal congratulations. This represented a continued pattern of Musk's public engagement with the AfD, which has stirred controversy in political circles, particularly due to the party's classification as extremist by German domestic intelligence for its hardline views on immigration and economic issues.

Later that day, Musk took to social media to endorse Weidel's achievement once more, sharing a note from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban along with his own optimistic prediction that the AfD could dominate the next election cycle. This public display of solidarity has incited mixed reactions across Germany, emphasizing the challenges the party faces in gaining legitimacy among mainstream political entities.

Although the Christian Democrats, who won the election, have categorically dismissed the prospect of collaborating with the AfD, Musk’s involvement continues to amplify the party's profile. His prior endorsements—expressed through an extended dialogue with Weidel on his social media platform—have elicited intrigue, though party co-leader Tino Chrupalla admitted that Musk's backing might not significantly shift voter opinions, even as it has led to increased attention and financial contributions from various business sectors.

As the political landscape evolves, the impact of foreign influences like Musk on German politics raises questions about voters' perceptions and the future of national integrity.