Elon Musk Reaffirms Support for AfD in Virtual Meeting with Party Leader
In a virtual meeting on his platform X, Elon Musk reiterated his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, stating that “people want change” and recommending the AfD as the best option for Germany’s future.
Musk, known for his business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, shared his views on the country’s energy policy, suggesting that Germany should revive its nuclear power industry. “Germany must get back to nuclear power” he said.
The AfD’s leader, Alice Weidel, used the meeting to launch a scathing attack on former Chancellor Angela Merkel, accusing her of ruining the country through her migration policies, nuclear phase-out, and transition to renewable energy.
Weidel’s comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with many criticizing her views as divisive and discriminatory.
The virtual meeting also touched on the topic of free speech, with Weidel asking Musk if he knew how long it takes to register a business in Germany. Musk, who has experience with bureaucratic hurdles in his own business ventures, chuckled and shared his experiences with the lengthy process of opening a Tesla factory in Berlin.
The discussion also covered the topic of democracy, with Weidel drawing a comparison between the AfD and the Nazi party, stating that Adolf Hitler was a communist, not a right-wing extremist. The comment sparked a backlash, with many criticizing the AfD leader’s attempt to downplay the party’s extremist views.
The AfD’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was also discussed, with Weidel expressing support for the state of Israel and the AfD’s role in protecting Jewish people in Germany.
Musk and Weidel also criticized the German education system, with Weidel labeling it as “socialist” and “woke” and Musk commenting that it seems like the “woke virus” has spread in Germany.
The virtual meeting, which lasted over an hour and a quarter, ended with a philosophical discussion on big societal questions, with Weidel thanking Musk for the conversation.
The event sparked a wide public debate in Germany, with many criticizing Musk’s endorsement of the AfD and the party’s extremist views.