Richard Parks Elon Musk’s public conversation with AfD leader Alice Weidel has sparked widespread criticism and scrutiny from EU and German authorities.
Musk Declares Weidel a Top Candidate
On his platform X, Elon Musk hosted a live discussion with AfD leader Alice Weidel, covering topics like energy policy, migration, and the AfD’s ties to far-right groups. Musk described Weidel as the “leading candidate for Germany,” though a ZDF poll from December 20 places the AfD at just 16%, trailing behind parties like the CDU and Greens.
Energy and Migration Debated
Weidel criticized Angela Merkel’s nuclear phase-out, arguing that Germany cannot rely solely on renewable energy. Musk agreed, calling for a balanced energy policy that includes nuclear and fossil fuels alongside renewables.
On migration, Weidel repeated familiar AfD positions, accusing the government of wasting taxpayers’ money on migrants. She claimed without evidence that 57% of asylum seekers discard their passports to avoid deportation, a statement often used by the AfD to promote stricter immigration policies.
AfD’s Extremist Links Remain a Sticking Point
Weidel tried to distance the AfD from its far-right image, claiming that Hitler was a “socialist.” Despite her efforts, the AfD continues to face criticism for ties to extremist groups. Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke has been convicted for using Nazi slogans, and the party’s youth wing is officially classified as extremist by German intelligence.
Legal and Political Fallout
The European Commission is investigating whether Musk’s discussion violated the Digital Services Act, which targets hate speech and misinformation online. German authorities are also examining whether the talk constitutes an illegal campaign contribution, as German law prohibits election support from non-EU entities.
The NGO Lobby Control argued that the high visibility of the conversation effectively served as political advertising for the AfD. Whether this will impact Germany’s February elections remains to be seen. Polls show the AfD steady at 19%, with strong support in eastern regions of the country.