Friedrich Merz Warns of Possible Consequences for Elon Musk's Endorsement of AfD
Germany's chancellor frontrunner highlights potential repercussions for the U.S. billionaire amid upcoming elections.
In Berlin, Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's center-right conservative alliance and a frontrunner for the chancellorship, recently articulated concerns regarding U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk's involvement in the upcoming German elections slated for February 23, 2025. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Merz indicated that Musk's endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could lead to significant political and legal repercussions.
Merz emphasized that "the current election campaign cannot go unchallenged" following Musk's backing of the AfD, which he made known through a post on the social media platform X in December of the previous year.
This was followed by a livestream discussion with AfD leader Alice Weidel and Musk's virtual appearance at a recent party conference.
Furthermore, Musk’s comments on mainstream German politicians, including labeling Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "fool" and claiming that the AfD is the only party capable of 'saving' Germany, have drawn significant attention within the country.
Merz noted that there may be a need for authorities to investigate whether Musk’s support for the AfD constitutes an illegal party donation, a point raised by various transparency organizations in Germany.
Historically, Musk has shown support for populist-right politicians in Europe, including backing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
In the context of the electoral landscape, recent data from POLITICO's Poll of Polls shows Merz's conservative alliance leading public sentiment with approximately 29 percent, while the AfD stands as a strong second at about 21 percent.
Chancellor Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens are projected to attract around 16 percent and 13 percent support, respectively.
As all mainstream parties have ruled out potential coalitions with the AfD, Merz might consider alliances with either the SPD or the Greens in the aftermath of the elections.
Merz emphasized that "the current election campaign cannot go unchallenged" following Musk's backing of the AfD, which he made known through a post on the social media platform X in December of the previous year.
This was followed by a livestream discussion with AfD leader Alice Weidel and Musk's virtual appearance at a recent party conference.
Furthermore, Musk’s comments on mainstream German politicians, including labeling Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "fool" and claiming that the AfD is the only party capable of 'saving' Germany, have drawn significant attention within the country.
Merz noted that there may be a need for authorities to investigate whether Musk’s support for the AfD constitutes an illegal party donation, a point raised by various transparency organizations in Germany.
Historically, Musk has shown support for populist-right politicians in Europe, including backing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
In the context of the electoral landscape, recent data from POLITICO's Poll of Polls shows Merz's conservative alliance leading public sentiment with approximately 29 percent, while the AfD stands as a strong second at about 21 percent.
Chancellor Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens are projected to attract around 16 percent and 13 percent support, respectively.
As all mainstream parties have ruled out potential coalitions with the AfD, Merz might consider alliances with either the SPD or the Greens in the aftermath of the elections.
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