Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, is set to host a live-streamed chat on his social media platform X with a leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party. This move has sparked concerns across Europe about potential interference by Musk, who is the world's richest man.
Musk, known for his involvement in U.S. politics, has now turned his attention to Germany, endorsing the far-right AfD party ahead of the upcoming national election. In a post on X, Musk declared, 'Only the AfD can save Germany,' and further expressed his support for the party in a newspaper article.
The chat, scheduled for 7 p.m. in Germany, will feature Alice Weidel, a co-leader of the AfD and its candidate for chancellor in the upcoming election.
These political forays by Musk have raised alarms in Europe, with concerns about potential meddling in elections. Musk's previous statements endorsing the AfD and demanding the release of jailed figures have drawn criticism.
The European Commission is closely monitoring Musk's activities on X, citing concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act. The platform has been accused of violating the bloc's rules on transparency and accountability.
In Germany, the AfD has seen a rise in popularity, becoming the second-most popular party in the country. Despite this, mainstream conservative parties are still favored to win the upcoming election.
The AfD, under observation for suspected extremism, has faced backlash from mainstream parties. The party's growth can be attributed to discontent with the current government's policies.
Founded in 2013, the AfD has shifted towards the right, gaining traction with its anti-immigration stance. The party's influence continues to grow as it taps into public dissatisfaction with the status quo.
