Elon Musk will host the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on X on Thursday, sparking concerns in Berlin and Brussels about possible interference by the US billionaire in Germany’s upcoming national election on February 23.
Last year, Musk used X and his vast wealth to help get Republican Donald Trump re-elected as US President. Now, he is becoming vocal in his support for far-right and anti-establishment parties across Europe.
The world’s richest man has shown particular interest in Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, where he opened Tesla’s first European plant in 2022.
Last month, Musk endorsed AfD, an “anti-immigration, anti-Islamic” party that has been labeled right-wing extremist by German security services, causing alarm in Berlin. Other German parties have ruled out working with AfD.
Musk, known for his libertarian views, called German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier a “tyrant” for criticizing AfD and urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign after a deadly car attack on a German Christmas market.
Leaders across Europe have expressed concern about Musk’s political activities. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Musk of undermining democracy without directly naming him, while France’s foreign minister urged the EU to more robustly enforce laws against external interference.
However, this has not prevented the live talk between Musk and AfD’s chancellor candidate Alice Weidel from going ahead at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT).
