Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly urged German citizens to support the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the country’s general election scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2025. His endorsement has sparked controversy across Europe, raising concerns over political interference by influential figures in democratic elections.
Musk, who previously served as an adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, made his endorsement through a video he reposted on his official X account. In the video, he described the AfD as a populist and anti-immigration party that could significantly impact not only Germany’s future but also the fate of Europe and the world.
“Could decide the fate of Europe, maybe the fate of the world,” Musk stated, reinforcing his call for German voters to rally behind the AfD. His words have resonated with some sections of the German electorate while drawing sharp criticism from political leaders and analysts who see his involvement as an undue influence on the country’s democratic process.
Musk’s endorsement comes at a crucial moment, with Germany preparing for a high-stakes election that could reshape its political landscape. On Sunday, the day of the vote, Musk further demonstrated his alignment with the AfD by pinning a post featuring the party on his X account. This move was seen as a deliberate attempt to amplify his support for the party and encourage voters to back it at the polls.
Recent polling data suggests that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) is struggling to gain widespread support from voters. Many analysts believe that rising economic concerns, debates over immigration policies, and dissatisfaction with the current government have contributed to declining support for the SPD. In contrast, the AfD, along with the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have emerged as the main challengers in the election. The AfD’s growing popularity, particularly in eastern Germany, has alarmed mainstream political parties and European leaders, who view the party’s far-right stance as a threat to democratic values.
Musk’s backing of the AfD is not new. In the months leading up to the election, he has repeatedly used X, the social media platform he owns, to express his support for the party and its policies. He has also criticized Germany’s current leadership, accusing them of mismanaging key issues such as immigration and economic policy. His involvement has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders and government officials, who see his actions as an attempt to interfere in Germany’s electoral process and sway public opinion in favor of the far-right party.
In January, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly accused Musk of directly meddling in the German election, warning that his influence could extend beyond Germany and into other European political affairs. Macron’s comments reflected broader concerns among European leaders about the role of powerful tech moguls in shaping political narratives.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s involvement in European politics dates back even further. In December of last year, the German government also accused him of trying to manipulate the election by using X to promote right-wing narratives and undermine trust in mainstream political parties. Officials within the German administration expressed concerns that Musk’s influence, combined with the algorithmic reach of social media platforms, could distort public perception and impact the integrity of the democratic process.
Beyond the political arena, Musk’s intervention raises broader questions about the intersection of technology, media, and governance. As the owner of X, one of the world’s largest social media platforms, Musk wields significant power over global communications. His ability to amplify certain political messages and suppress others has led to widespread debates about the responsibility of tech leaders in maintaining fair and transparent political discourse.
Political analysts have noted that Musk’s outspoken support for the AfD could further polarize the German electorate, potentially driving undecided voters either toward or away from the party. Some argue that his endorsement may embolden AfD supporters and boost the party’s momentum, while others believe it could backfire by mobilizing opposition against the AfD.
The increasing scrutiny of Musk’s political endorsements underscores the growing concerns about the role of powerful individuals and social media platforms in shaping democratic processes. As the election unfolds, his vocal support for the AfD is expected to remain a contentious issue, potentially influencing the outcome in unpredictable ways.
Meanwhile, German citizens remain divided on Musk’s influence in their country’s politics. While some appreciate his outspoken views and align with his criticisms of mainstream political parties, others see his involvement as an unwelcome intrusion by a foreign billionaire with no direct stake in Germany’s future.
As the world watches Germany’s election results, the impact of Musk’s endorsement will become clearer. Whether his support will translate into a significant boost for the AfD or provoke a backlash against the party remains uncertain. However, one thing is evident: Musk’s influence in global politics continues to grow, and his latest intervention in Germany’s election adds another chapter to the ongoing debate about the power of tech moguls in shaping the world’s political landscape.
