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Elon Musk Fosters Growth in Germany's Conservative AfD Party Once More Before Sunday's Vote

Musk has become an avid backer of Alternative für Deutschland, a politically radical, immigration-critical group, which is currently securing the second-highest voting numbers prior to Germany's legislative election.

United States Political Events - CPAC Event
United States Political Events - CPAC Event

Topline

Elon Musk Fosters Growth in Germany's Conservative AfD Party Once More Before Sunday's Vote

In a recent display of support, tech mogul Elon Musk, known for his role as billionaire and efficiency guru, voiced his approval for Germany's far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move that echoes his previous endorsements. Musk shared an enthusiastic "AfD!" and German flag emojis on his X profile, just one day before Germany's general election, and reposted a tweet lauding the party's potential success.

Key Facts

  • Musk's post punctuating his support for AfD was quick to catch attention, gaining traction on X.
  • Prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk stated on Saturday that AfD is anticipated to have a remarkable showing in the country's general elections, echoing Musk's sentiments.
  • The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has reported a surge in support in recent years, and many expect its best-ever outcome at the polls on Sunday.

Understanding the AfD Party

The AfD, or Alternative für Deutschland, is a right-wing party renowned for its antipathies towards immigration and calls for mass deportations. It advocates abandoning the Euro and pausing climate action. However, accusations of controversial remarks that resemble Nazi rhetoric plague the party.

Highlighted Controversies Surrounding AfD

  1. Nazism Remarks: European Parliament member Maximilian Krah stirred controversy when he implied that not all Nazi paramilitaries are automatically criminals.
  2. Party Leader Fines: Björn Höcke, the party leader, has faced multiple fines for using Nazi slogans.
  3. Elon Musk's Commitment: Despite the controversies, Musk recently stated on X, "Only @AfD can save Germany," and appeared at a virtual rally supporting the party, expressing his belief that the "future of civilization could hang in this election."

Criticism of Musk's Support

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed disdain for Musk's support of the AfD, labeling it "disgusting" and referring to the EU's democratic development concern. The intense confrontation between the two leaders has seen Musk hurling insults at Scholz on X.

Current Election Polls

Currently, the AfD is polling in the second position, with around 20% support, according to recent German election polls, far surpassing its polling numbers from four years ago. In contrast, the conservative Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union coalition are polling first, with just under 30% support, while the Social Democrats, the current majority party, have seen a decline in support and are polling at 15%.

Enrichment Data Integration

  1. The AfD's roots lie in opposition to European Union economic policies and advocating nationalist and anti-globalist positions. However, over time, it has evolved into a broader extremist right-wing party.
  2. The party has been criticized for its antisemitic rhetoric, Holocaust denial, xenophobia, and anti-Islam views, as well as far-right ideologies, and is monitored for extremist potential by Germany's domestic intelligence agency.
  3. Elon Musk's endorsement has increased the AfD's visibility in the English-speaking world and rallied the party's support on X, but researchers fail to find evidence of systemic risks to the German election. The promotion seems to be an expression of Musk's personal influence rather than a deliberate platform manipulation.
  4. Elon Musk, championing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, shared supportive emojis on his X profile, fueling enthusiasm for the party just before Germany's general election.
  5. In a controversial tweet, Musk reposted laudatory comments about AfD, aligning himself with the party's anticipated success in the polls, which was echoed by prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  6. Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding the AfD, including its history of Nazism-related remarks and fines for using Nazi slogans, Musk declared that only AfD could save Germany and appeared at a virtual rally to support the party.
  7. The recent display of support from Musk has significantly boosted the AfD's visibility in the English-speaking world, leading to a surge in its support on X, as current polls show the party polling in the second position with around 20% support.
  8. Despite the increased support from figures like Musk, the German chancellor Olaf Scholz has denounced the AfD's far-right ideologies as "disgusting," expressing concern over the party's influence on EU's democratic development.

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