On January 2, 2025, tensions escalated in Germany's election campaign as billionaire Elon Musk publicly supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling second at 20% ahead of the general election scheduled for February 23. Musk's provocative remarks directed at German leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have drawn significant backlash.
Musk labeled President Steinmeier an 'anti-democratic tyrant' on his social media platform X, prompting responses from various politicians who deemed his comments 'offensive' and 'undignified.' Rolf Mützenich, leader of the Social Democrats, criticized Musk's behavior as crossing diplomatic boundaries and questioned whether such disrespect would be tolerated under the new U.S. administration.
In addition to his social media attacks, Musk published an opinion piece in a German newspaper advocating for the AfD. Following the collapse of Germany's coalition government in November, Musk had previously referred to Chancellor Scholz in derogatory terms, further fueling concerns about foreign interference in national politics.
Germany's legal framework provides protections against public insults, but prosecutions for such offenses are rare. Politicians, including Economy Minister Robert Habeck, have faced insults on social media, and Habeck has authorized legal action against derogatory remarks made by Musk.
As the election date approaches, plans for a meeting between Musk and AfD leader Alice Weidel are reportedly in the works, indicating that Musk's involvement in the campaign may deepen.