A German government spokesperson said on Monday that US billionaire Elon Musk, one of the world’s richest men, is trying to influence elections in European countries in February.
Elon Musk has caused an uproar by endorsing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in the Western European country.
“It is true that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election,” the spokesperson said.
Elon Musk expressed his opinion freely, a spokesperson said.
“At the end of the day, freedom of opinion includes the biggest nonsense,” the official added.
Elon Musk recently announced his support for the far-right party AfD.
What did Elon Musk say?
The commentary, published in German in the Axel Springer Media Group’s flagship newspaper Welt am Sonntag, echoes a message Musk posted on social media platform X last week: “Only the AfD can save Germany.” It’s expanded further.
“Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” Musk wrote in a translated commentary.
He went on to say that far-right parties “can lead this country to a future where economic prosperity, cultural health and technological innovation are not just aspiration but reality.”
Tesla’s CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the situation there.
Also read: Elon Musk supports right-wing groups in Germany, German leaders call it ‘intrusive’
It is wrong to portray the AfD as right-wing extremists, given that the party’s leader, Alice Weidel, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler? please! “
Musk’s comments sparked a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech.
Elon Musk, known for his polarizing views on many subjects, openly supported Donald Trump’s presidential bid. He also supported the Trump campaign financially.
After Trump’s victory, several pollsters credited Musk with rallying public support for the business tycoon-turned-politician.
(Information provided by Reuters, AFP, and Associated Press)
