9 sources·Politics

Elon Musk Backs Far-Right AfD in Live-Streamed Discussion Ahead of German Elections

Elon Musk endorses the far-right Alternative for Germany party during a live-streamed chat, raising concerns about foreign influence on Germany's election.

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Musk was doubling down on his endorsement last month of the anti-immigration, anti-Islamic party labeled as right-wing-extremist by German security services, which has caused consternation in Berlin and accusations of undue influence.
Elon Musk doubles down on endorsement of far-right German party in conversation on X
USA TODAY·3M
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Musk on Thursday, saying, “I do not see this danger to democracy. Elon Musk is a very well-known and wealthy person who expresses his ideas.”
Elon Musk hosts leader of Germany’s far-right AfD on X ahead of election
Al Jazeera·3M
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Musk has been regularly commenting on German politics since last month, when he endorsed the AfD, which has been classified as rightwing extremist by German intelligence.
Elon Musk heaps praise on AfD’s Alice Weidel during live talk on X
The Guardian·3M
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Musk's earlier endorsements of AfD, including tweets complimenting the party and an editorial in a German newspaper, have enraged European government officials.
Elon Musk promotes far-right Alternative for Germany candidate, hosts discussion on X
CNBC·3M
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Elon Musk held a live event on his social media platform X on Thursday with a leader of the German anti-immigrant, far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD), the latest step in the tech billionaire’s campaign to rally support behind reactionary candidates across Europe and North America.
Elon Musk boosts German anti-immigrant party with live event on X
NBC News·3M
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Musk has run into hot water among European leaders – particularly in the UK and Germany – for playing politics abroad as the world braces for Trump’s imminent return to the White House.
Musk urges Germans to vote for AfD in latest involvement in European politics
CNN·3M
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Musk's forays into politics by the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive is raising alarm across Europe.
Elon Musk to host chat with German far-right leader, adding to fears of his political meddling
Associated Press·3M
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Musk’s online chat will be monitored by watchdogs from the European Commission, which has accused X of violating the 27-nation bloc’s sweeping digital rulebook for cleaning up social media platforms and protecting internet users from online harm.
Musk to Host Chat With German Far-Right Leader
Newsmax·3M
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Updated: Jan 9th, 2025, 7:19 PM ET

Summary

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Tech billionaire Elon Musk hosted a live chat with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's AfD, endorsing her as a candidate for chancellor. Critics claim Musk's actions could influence the upcoming elections on Feb. 23, as the AfD faces scrutiny as a suspected extremist group. The event has sparked international condemnation, emphasizing concerns over misinformation and interference in European politics. Despite gaining public support, other parties refuse to coalition with AfD, complicating its prospects ahead of the elections. Questions arise regarding Musk's role and the potential regulatory consequences for his platform X.

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