Elon Musk’s public conversation with AfD leader Alice Weidel has drawn sharp criticism and triggered official investigations.
Musk Hails Weidel as Germany’s Key Political Figure
Elon Musk hosted AfD leader Alice Weidel on his platform X, where they discussed energy, migration, and the AfD’s far-right ties. Musk called Weidel the “leading candidate for Germany,” but a ZDF poll from December 20 places the AfD at 16%, lagging behind the CDU and the Greens.
Disputes over Energy and Migration Policy
Weidel criticized Angela Merkel’s decision to shut down nuclear plants, asserting that Germany cannot rely solely on wind and solar energy. Musk agreed, advocating for a diverse energy strategy that includes nuclear and fossil fuels alongside renewables.
On migration, Weidel reiterated AfD’s hardline stance, accusing the government of mismanaging taxpayer money. She claimed that 57% of incoming migrants discard their passports, an unverified statement often used by the AfD to criticize asylum policies.
AfD’s Controversial Links to Extremism
Weidel attempted to distance her party from Nazi ideology, describing Adolf Hitler as a “socialist.” However, the AfD continues to face scrutiny for its connections to far-right groups. Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke has been repeatedly convicted for using Nazi slogans, and the party’s youth wing is classified as extremist by Germany’s intelligence agency.
EU and German Authorities Monitor Legal Implications
The European Commission is investigating whether the discussion violated the Digital Services Act, which targets hate speech and misinformation. Additionally, the conversation could constitute an illegal campaign contribution under German law, which bans election support from non-EU entities.
The watchdog group Lobby Control argued that the talk amounted to political advertising due to its extensive reach on X. Whether the exchange will influence Germany’s February elections remains uncertain. Current polls show the AfD steady at 19%, with strong support in eastern Germany.