The endorsement sparked a firestorm in Germany, where the government and politicians accused Musk of trying to influence the outcome of February’s election.
In his New Year’s address, Germany’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said, “Mr. Musk is strengthening those who are weakening Europe.”
In recent days, Musk has launched a series of attacks on mainstream German politicians while praising the AfD. In one post, he called Mr. Scholz an “oof shit.” Another article called German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier an “anti-democratic tyrant.”
Mr Musk’s hostility towards mainstream German politicians and love for the AfD could bode badly for Germany’s next government. Musk is US President-elect Donald Trump’s most powerful adviser, and his opinions could have a major impact on the next White House’s policy regarding Germany.
Germany’s conservative coalition, led by chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, currently leads in opinion polls. Mertz suggested he could cut a “deal” with Trump if he wins the race.
The AfD has become increasingly radical since it was founded as a Eurosceptic party in 2013. Germany’s federal domestic intelligence agency classifies the party as a suspected extremist organization.
Musk, a tech billionaire and electric car mogul, first endorsed the AfD in a tweet two weeks ago. He has also recently backed other European populist right-wing politicians, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In his New Year’s speech, Scholz said that while the most extreme views and loudest voices would get the most attention, “the vast majority of rational, decent people” would decide the outcome of February’s election.
