German Chancellor Olaf Scholz brushed off Elon Musk’s personal attacks but raised concerns over Musk’s support for the far-right AfD. Scholz expressed unease about Musk’s potential influence on Germany’s political landscape, especially as elections approach.
Musk, a close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, called Scholz a “fool” after his coalition government collapsed in November. He later endorsed the AfD in a widely circulated opinion piece. Scholz described Musk’s remarks as “nothing new” from wealthy media figures critical of social democratic policies. “You have to stay cool,” Scholz told Stern magazine.
Scholz condemned Musk’s support for the AfD, citing the party’s ties to right-wing extremism and its stance on weakening transatlantic relations. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency monitors the AfD, already labeled a right-wing extremist group in some regions.
Warnings against interference in German democracy
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck joined Scholz in criticizing Musk, calling his actions a “frontal attack on democracy.” Habeck urged Musk to “keep hands off our democracy,” warning about the billionaire’s wealth, control over networks, and disregard for rules.
Habeck, the Green Party’s candidate for chancellor, highlighted the risks of Musk’s influence on information and artificial intelligence. He accused Musk of undermining democratic principles by endorsing a party with extremist tendencies.
Germany will hold early elections on February 23 after Scholz’s three-party coalition collapsed over economic policy disputes. Habeck emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic values as the country faces political challenges.
Musk defends involvement, backs AfD
Musk defended his right to comment on German politics, citing his investments in the country. Writing in Welt am Sonntag, Musk described the AfD as “the last spark of hope” for Germany. His endorsement sparked controversy, leading to the resignation of the newspaper’s opinion editor, Eva Marie Kogel.
The AfD continues to poll strongly, but its chancellor candidate, Alice Weidel, is unlikely to form a government. Germany’s major political parties refuse to cooperate with the far-right group. Scholz and Habeck remain firm in their stance against Musk’s interference, calling for vigilance to protect democratic integrity.