Chancellor Scholz finds Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s support for Germany’s AfD party deeply concerning.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has responded to Elon Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
In a Saturday interview with Stern magazine, Scholz advised against reacting to provocative statements, suggesting a strategy of ignoring such behavior.
“Many social media users seek attention through inflammatory rhetoric,” Scholz stated. “The best approach is to not engage.”
Musk previously called Scholz an “incompetent fool” on X, criticizing Berlin’s immigration policies following a deadly Christmas market attack by an Arab immigrant with a residence permit.
Musk praised the AfD, supporting its anti-immigration stance and claiming it’s the only party that can “save Germany.” He later wrote in Welt am Sonntag that the party’s immigration policies prioritize national culture and security, not xenophobia.
Scholz told the magazine that Musk’s AfD support is “far more troubling” than his personal insults, highlighting the party’s pro-Russia stance and desire to weaken transatlantic ties.
German officials, including Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, have condemned Musk’s remarks, warning against foreign interference in German politics. “Our democracy cannot tolerate such external influence,” Habeck stated.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead his proposed ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE).
According to The Sunday Times, some of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s advisors believe Musk cannot simultaneously support the AfD and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK while serving in the US administration. The newspaper suggests this would constitute a declaration of war against key US allies in Europe. Musk previously agreed with a statement that Reform UK is “the only way to save” Britain.
Germany is preparing for early parliamentary elections on February 23, following the collapse of Scholz’s coalition government due to disagreements over Ukraine aid, economic reforms, and climate policy, leading to a December vote of no confidence and parliamentary dissolution. Scholz currently leads a minority government.
The AfD’s popularity is rising, with recent polls showing around 17% support. However, major German parties, including Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), have ruled out coalition with the AfD.