Elon Musk Is Boosting Germany’s Far Right. It Will Backfire

In recent weeks, Elon Musk has intensified his efforts to influence European politics, particularly in Germany, where he publicly aligns himself with the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). This alignment comes as Germany is preparing for crucial elections. Critics, including mainstream German politicians, have condemned Musk's interference, claiming it threatens the integrity of German democracy. Musk's approach includes personal attacks on political leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reflecting a broader strategy he employed successfully in U.S. politics during the recent presidential election. Musk's financial backing of Donald Trump during the 2024 election has emboldened him to expand his influence abroad, leveraging his social media platform X to amplify far-right narratives and conspiracy theories. His recent remarks, condemning Scholz and Starmer, suggest a strategy to undermine their positions while vocally supporting figures like Alice Weidel, the leader of AfD, which is known for its extreme views even among European far-right factions. This shift aligns with Musk's previous tactics in U.S. political contexts, where he established a reputation for supporting populist candidates. In response to Musk's comments and actions, there has been significant pushback from established European political figures who have dismissed his influence as largely irrelevant. Scholz's office articulated that Musk's statements would not resonantly affect the political landscape of Germany, a nation with a robust democratic tradition. Likewise, French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at concerns regarding the unprecedented direct involvement of a social media mogul in election matters, indicating the discontent with foreign interference in local politics. As the electoral climate heats up in Germany, Musk's commentary has sparked discussions about the role of oligarchs in influencing democracy. Some commentators suggest that this could lead to positive outcomes by prompting critical evaluations of foreign influences on domestic policymaking. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Musk's actions emphasizes the ongoing tensions between populism and established democratic norms in Europe, suggesting a tumultuous landscape as elections loom and European leaders contemplate how best to safeguard their political sovereignty against external pressures.