In a latest assertion, a German authorities spokesperson accused Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, of making an attempt to sway the result of the nation’s upcoming federal elections. The elections, set to happen in February 2024, have already change into a focus for political debate, particularly after Musk expressed assist for the far-right political get together, Various for Germany (AfD).
Musk’s Controversial Endorsement
Elon Musk’s involvement in German politics got here to mild when he revealed a commentary in Welt am Sonntag, a outstanding German newspaper owned by the Axel Springer media group. In his op-ed, Musk expanded on a publish he made on X (previously Twitter), the place he had written that “solely the AfD can save Germany.”
Musk described the AfD as “the final spark of hope” for the nation and claimed the get together may lead Germany right into a affluent future marked by financial success, cultural integrity, and technological development.
His feedback have sparked widespread debate within the German media concerning the affect of overseas figures on nationwide politics.
Musk’s Justification
Within the commentary, Musk additionally asserted that his vital investments in Germany, significantly by way of Tesla’s operations within the nation, gave him the suitable to weigh in on Germany’s political panorama.
He steered that his enterprise ties within the nation afforded him an understanding of its points and challenges, which he felt compelled to share.
Musk additionally took concern with the portrayal of the AfD as a far-right extremist get together, difficult those that label it as such. He pointed to the truth that Alice Weidel, the chief of the AfD, is overtly in a same-sex relationship with a accomplice from Sri Lanka, implying that such a scenario would contradict the get together’s alleged far-right and extremist label.
Musk requested rhetorically, “Does that sound like Hitler to you?”
German Authorities’s Response
A spokesperson for the German authorities addressed Musk’s remarks, confirming that the billionaire’s actions seemed to be geared toward influencing the federal elections.
Nonetheless, the spokesperson additionally emphasised that Musk, like every particular person, has the suitable to precise his opinion. “Freedom of opinion additionally covers the best nonsense,” the official remarked, acknowledging Musk’s proper to voice his views, even when they had been controversial.
