WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Tech mogul Elon Musk conducted a live chat with a leader of Germany’s far-right party on Thursday, using his social media platform, X, to promote the party’s agenda ahead of an upcoming national election. This move has sparked concerns in Europe about the influence of the world’s wealthiest individual in foreign politics.
Musk, known for his past support of Donald Trump in the United States, spoke with Alice Weidel, a co-leader of the Alternative for Germany party and its candidate for chancellor, urging people to vote for AfD. The conversation attracted over 190,000 X users.
During the chat, Musk and Weidel criticized Germany’s high taxes, discussed immigration issues, and condemned the country’s decision to close nuclear power plants. The Alternative for Germany party has faced scrutiny from Germany’s intelligence agency over suspected extremism, leading mainstream parties to distance themselves. Weidel refuted accusations of Nazi affiliations, emphasizing the party’s libertarian stance.
Musk has previously endorsed AfD on X and has written articles criticizing Germany’s current leadership. His involvement in politics has raised concerns in Europe, especially after his support for figures like Tommy Robinson in the U.K. and his criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There are fears he may influence Poland’s upcoming presidential election.
The European Commission has been monitoring Musk’s activities on X, particularly regarding compliance with the Digital Services Act. The commission is investigating whether X violates the regulations aimed at curbing harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms.
In Germany, the AfD has gained popularity, becoming the second-most popular party behind mainstream conservatives. Despite this, the Christian Democrats are still expected to win the election. The rise of far-right parties in Europe is seen as a growing concern, with efforts to address the spread of extremist ideologies and misinformation.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was formed in 2013 and has since shifted towards the right. Initially focusing on opposing bailouts for struggling eurozone members, the party gained significant traction by vehemently protesting then-Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome a large influx of refugees and migrants in 2015.
As a response to dissatisfaction with the center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition government, AfD’s support has steadily increased. The party’s growing popularity mirrors a rising discontent with Germany’s ties to the European Union and NATO, as well as its strong partnership with the United States, which many perceive as encroachments on national sovereignty.
