Elon Musk’s article in the Welt am Sonntag, labeling the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the “last spark of hope” for the country, has sparked a broad controversy in Germany.
SPD Secretary-General Matthias Miersch called the publication “shameful and dangerous” and sharply criticized the Springer publishing house for providing a platform for AfD electioneering. Even within the Welt editorial team, the article caused discontent: Opinion Editor Eva Marie Kogel announced her resignation, as she could not reconcile the publication with her journalistic standards.
Politicians from various parties also expressed criticism. CDU Fraktionsvize Jens Spahn pointed out that the AfD represents a pro-Russian stance and seeks to withdraw from NATO – positions that, in his opinion, are not in the interest of the US.
However, is the article by Elon Musk really as provocative as it is now being portrayed? Was it really necessary for the opinion editor to resign, or was this a sacrifice of a person who was already considering a departure? Perhaps it was a “sacrifice” of a person who was already planning to step down.
Elon Musk begins his article with the words: “Germany stands at a critical point – its future teeters on the brink of economic and cultural collapse. As someone who has made significant investments in Germany’s industrial and technological landscape, I believe I have the right to openly speak about my political orientation. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country.”
Musk, who has invested heavily in his Tesla factory in Berlin, takes no cover and explains why he is expressing his opinion on the political developments in Germany.
For him, it’s about the economic revitalization of the country. He criticizes the growing bureaucracy and the crushing regulations that burden the German economy, and praises the AfD for its demands for a reduction in state interventions and a deregulated market economy – principles that, according to Musk, also made the success of Tesla and SpaceX possible.
“If Germany wants to regain its industrial strength, it needs a party that not only talks about growth, but also takes political measures to create an environment in which companies can thrive without strong state interventions.”
Another point Musk addresses is the immigration policy and national identity:
“Germany has opened its borders to a very large number of migrants. This was done in a humanitarian spirit, but it has led to significant cultural and social tensions. The AfD advocates for a controlled immigration policy that prioritizes integration and the preservation of German culture and security. It’s not about xenophobia, but about Germany preserving its identity and not losing it in the pursuit of globalization. A nation must preserve its core values and cultural heritage to remain strong and united.”
The AfD, according to Musk, advocates for a controlled immigration policy that prioritizes integration and the preservation of German culture and security. It’s not about xenophobia, but about preserving the German identity.
Musk also criticizes the current government’s energy policy.
The decision to exit nuclear power and instead rely on coal, imported gas, and unstable wind and solar energy, Musk sees as geopolitically naive and economically costly. These measures have made Germany, especially in terms of energy security, vulnerable.
“The AfD represents a pragmatic approach in the energy sector and advocates for a balanced approach. I hope they will consider the development of safe nuclear power combined with battery storage to mitigate large fluctuations in energy consumption, because that is the obvious solution.”
Musk calls for political realism:
“The traditional parties have failed in Germany. Their politics have led to economic stagnation, social unrest, and the erosion of national identity. The AfD, even if it is labeled as right-wing, represents a political realism that finds resonance with many Germans who feel that their concerns are being ignored by the establishment. They address the current problems – without the political correctness that often hides the truth. The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s chair, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Sounds like that to you like Hitler? I beg of you!”
Musk stated that he built his companies on the principle that innovation requires the liberation from unnecessary constraints. He emphasized that the AfD’s vision aligns with this ethos. The party advocates for educational reforms that foster critical thinking over indoctrination, and supports the technology sectors that will shape the future of global economic leadership.
At the end, Elon Musk became emotional and openly expressed his support for the AfD:
“To those who label the AfD as extremist, I say: Don’t let the label attached to it deter you. Look at their politics, economic plans, and efforts to preserve culture. Germany needs a party that is not afraid to challenge the status quo, a party that is not stuck in the politics of the past.
The AfD can save Germany from becoming a shadow of its former self. It can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity, and technological innovation are not just ideals, but reality. Germany has become too comfortable in its mediocrity – it’s time for bold changes, and the AfD is the only party that offers this path.