Elon Musk hosts leader of Germany’s far-right AfD on X ahead of election

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the social media platform X, recently hosted a live discussion with Alice Weidel, the chancellor candidate for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. During the broadcast, Musk openly endorsed the AfD, urging German voters to support the party in the upcoming national elections. He criticized Germany’s current energy policies, bureaucracy, and immigration stance, aligning with Weidel’s viewpoints.

This endorsement has sparked significant concern among European leaders, who view Musk’s actions as potential interference in democratic processes. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and France’s foreign minister have expressed apprehension over Musk’s political interventions. The AfD, known for its anti-immigration and nationalist positions, has been labeled as right-wing extremist by German security services, adding to the unease surrounding Musk’s support.

The live discussion between Musk and Weidel, streamed on X, attracted over 190,000 viewers. During the conversation, Weidel controversially claimed that Adolf Hitler was a “communist,” a statement that has been widely criticized and fact-checked. Musk’s platform has been scrutinized for amplifying such views, raising questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content and preventing the spread of misinformation.

Musk’s involvement in European politics, particularly his endorsement of far-right parties, has led to debates about the influence of wealthy individuals on democratic elections. Critics argue that his actions could undermine democratic institutions and stability. In response to the backlash, some organizations have boycotted Tesla, and there has been an exodus from his social media platform, X. The situation underscores the complex interplay between technology, politics, and society in the digital age.