The billionaire's comments fuel concerns of foreign interference in Germany's upcoming election as regulators scrutinize digital platforms.
In a live conversation that has prompted significant international attention,
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the social media platform X, engaged in a wide-ranging discussion with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
During the nearly 75-minute dialogue, Musk reiterated his contentious statement that “only the AfD can save Germany,” sparking criticism amid the country's political landscape.
The virtual discussion occurred on Thursday amidst accusations that Musk, a high-profile figure known for his outspoken and often polarizing views, is manipulating political narratives in Europe, particularly detracting from Germany's 23 February election.
Musk's explicit endorsement of the AfD—a party notable for its anti-immigrant and pro-Kremlin stances, and identified as rightwing extremist by German intelligence—has amplified these concerns.
Musk's dialogue with Weidel spanned a multitude of subjects, from Germany's energy policy and education system to their shared goal of reducing bureaucratic inefficiency and curtailing illegal immigration.
Both Musk and Weidel expressed criticism of so-called 'woke' ideologies and echoed each other's viewpoints on various issues including the war in Ukraine, with Musk asserting that “President Trump is going to solve that conflict very quickly.” However, Musk remained vague when pressed on the specifics of how this would happen, citing President Trump's leadership as the crucial factor.
In a more speculative segment, Musk addressed aspirations for human expeditions to Mars, anticipating the departure of uncrewed missions in two years and crewed missions in approximately four.
He suggested a visionary future where Martians could assist Earthlings in crises, likening it to America's intervention in Europe during World War Two.
Beyond the conversation, Musk has become increasingly vocal in German political affairs.
He described President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as a “tyrant” in light of criticisms against the AfD and called for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s resignation following a tragic car attack.
Although Musk has previously authored an opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag defending the AfD, the implications of his advocacy remain under scrutiny.
This latest discussion raised concerns with the European Commission regarding potential violations of its Digital Services Act (DSA).
While no objections were made towards the discussion itself, investigations are assessing whether the platform displayed any partiality towards specific political content.
In addition, Advocacy group LobbyControl has been examining if the exchange breached German campaign finance rules, viewing it as potential political advertising.
Meanwhile, Germany’s federal network agency continues to investigate the possibility of algorithm manipulation connected to the discussion, with any findings to be relayed to the DSA.
A spokesperson for Alice Weidel dismissed allegations of illegal party donations, contending that the dialogue constitutes legitimate discourse and exercise of free speech rather than orchestrated political support.
As questions over Musk’s influential role in European political discourse linger, the scrutiny from regulatory bodies and political entities underscores the complexities interwoven with modern digital communication and electoral processes.