Fri Dec 20 19:57:49 UTC 2024: ## Musk’s AfD Endorsement Rocks Germany’s Upcoming Election
**Berlin** – Germany is bracing for snap elections on February 23rd following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left government. The election is further complicated by a controversial endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from US billionaire Elon Musk.
Musk, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), declared that “Only the AfD can save Germany,” igniting a firestorm of criticism from German politicians across the spectrum. The AfD, currently polling second, could potentially prevent either a centre-right or centre-left majority government from forming, although mainstream parties have vowed not to enter a coalition with them.
The German government, while acknowledging Musk’s statement, offered a measured response. Chancellor Scholz stated that freedom of speech extends to even billionaires, but that doesn’t excuse inaccurate or poor political advice.
However, German lawmakers have strongly condemned Musk’s intervention. Members of the European Parliament and the Bundestag from across the political spectrum have denounced Musk’s actions, calling it unacceptable interference in German affairs and accusing him of using X as a tool for disinformation. One MEP labelled Musk a “threat to democracy.”
This isn’t Musk’s first foray into European politics. He previously voiced support for other far-right, anti-immigration parties and called for the dismissal of Italian judges examining immigration policies. While some politicians acknowledged the importance of migration control, they stressed the AfD’s extremist views and opposition to free markets and individual liberties.
The upcoming election is now overshadowed by Musk’s intervention, raising concerns about foreign influence and the role of social media in shaping public opinion during a critical political moment for Germany.
First Piper 