Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Elon Musk for his “erratic” statements and open backing for the far-right AfD party.
In an interview with Stern magazine published on 4 Jan 2025, the chancellor was questioned about interference by Musk, who called Scholz an “incompetent fool” before labeling the German president an “anti-democratic tyrant.” the chancellor expressed it was significant “to keep calm” ahead of Germany’s upcoming elections on February 23.
“In Germany, everything is moving according to the wishes of our citizens and not the erratic statements of an American billionaire. The German president is not an anti-democratic tyrant. Germany is a strong and stable democracy — never mind what Mr Musk says,”
Chancellor said.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is ranked in second place behind the conservatives,
“advocates closer ties with Putin’s Russia and wants to dilute trans-Atlantic ties,”
Scholz expressed.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was asked if he personally wished to argue with the owner of Tesla and SpaceX; Scholz stated:
“I don’t think it necessary to seek Mr. Musk’s favors. I’ll leave that to others.”
The chancellor stated he had met Musk in March 2022 at the commencement of a Tesla factory in the state of Brandenburg
“at a time when the local branch of AfD was opposing it.”
What concerns have arisen over Musk’s political influence?
Recent comments by Elon Musk concerning German politics and his support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party sparked significant controversy and concern among the German leaders. In an opinion piece published in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Musk said that “only the AfD can save Germany” and that the party could lead Germany to economic prosperity and cultural integrity. He portrayed the AfD as a political force that was capable of representing the interests of many Germans who felt neglected by mainstream parties.
How could Musk’s statements affect Germany’s snap elections?
He dismissed the claim that the AfD is an extremist party, terming the accusations “clearly false.” His considerable investments in Germany have earned him the right to speak about the country’s political situation. His endorsement has been seen as an attempt to interfere with Germany’s political landscape ahead of the scheduled snap elections for February 2025. German officials have feared that Musk’s influence could sway public opinion and electoral outcomes.
