Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD. PHOTO: Kay Nietfeld / DPA
US billionaire Elon Musk has expressed his support for Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in a heated debate that has resonated in the German political environment. Musk, known for his controversial statements, criticised Berlin’s policies over the past two decades, highlighting “incompetence” in energy planning and “hatred of his own country”, Handelsblatt.de reports.
Criticism of Merkel and energy policy
Alice Weidel called Angela Merkel Germany’s “first green chancellor” and accused her of gradually abandoning nuclear power in favour of renewable sources. Musk supported this position, saying:
“Shutting down nuclear power plants in times of energy crisis is one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen.”
According to Musk, Germany should immediately return to nuclear power and expand its share in electricity production.
Weidel and historical parallels
The debate went even further when Weidel drew parallels between modern Germany and the Nazi dictatorship, criticising the restrictions on freedom of speech. She even suggested that Adolf Hitler was a “socialist communist” and that classifying him as a “right-winger” was a historical mistake.
“We are a libertarian conservative party, and we are simply classified as right-wing extremists,” Weidel said.
Musk and his way to the right
Musk’s support for the AfD sparked a wave of criticism, given his previous sympathy for the US Democrats. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, Musk has increasingly expressed conservative and anti-democratic views.
The billionaire has already called German President Steinmeier an “anti-democratic tyrant” and Chancellor Scholz a “madman”. His support for Weidel has only intensified talk of his rapprochement with right-wing parties.
Musk’s support for the AfD could have a significant impact on the upcoming German elections. Although the party is still classified as a suspected right-wing extremist, its position is gradually strengthening, especially amid criticism of Berlin’s energy policy and rising geopolitical tensions.
The discussion between Musk and Weidel was another signal that the upcoming German elections could be an important turning point in European politics.
