Elon Musk congratulated Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD, after the party recorded 20.8 percent of the vote in Germany’s national elections. Despite this historic achievement, the party remains sidelined as the conservative Christian Democrats rejected forming a coalition with them. Musk’s past endorsements have drawn attention but did not significantly impact voter behavior, while the party faces scrutiny for elements considered extremist by authorities.
In a significant electoral development, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured a record 20.8 percent of the vote in recent national elections, marking its best performance in history. Although party officials expected a stronger outcome, their second-place finish led to a congratulatory phone call from Elon Musk. Alice Weidel, the party’s chancellor candidate, revealed that she missed the call but acknowledged Musk’s gesture when she reviewed her missed calls the following day.
Later, Musk publicly reiterated his congratulations on social media, sharing a post from Hungarian leader Viktor Orban and expressing optimism for the AfD’s future growth. The party’s performance is historically significant, being the highest for a far-right party in Germany since World War II. However, despite their success, the conservative Christian Democrats, led by Friedrich Merz, have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, effectively sidelining them.
The AfD’s platform includes stringent measures on immigration, deportation, and economic improvement, but some of its factions have been labeled extremist by German intelligence authorities. Notably, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Weidel recently, suggesting that mainstream parties should not completely exclude far-right factions like the AfD. Musk’s involvement has been prominent, from endorsing the party on his social media platform to conducting discussions that emphasize a more favorable view of the AfD.
Despite Musk’s prior endorsements and efforts, which included a video conversation with Weidel and a call at a party meeting, his influence on voter behavior appeared limited. Co-leader Tino Chrupalla acknowledged that while Musk’s support did not convert voters directly, it did attract attention and contributions from other business leaders. The unusual participation of a foreign figure like Musk in German domestic politics raises questions about international involvement in electoral matters.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s congratulatory gestures towards the AfD after their notable electoral success highlight both the party’s historical performance and the complexities of their political standing. Despite achieving record poll numbers, electoral alliances remain unlikely, and Musk’s influence on voter sentiment seems limited. Nonetheless, his involvement reflects a growing intersection between international figures and national politics, indicating a potential shift in political dynamics within Germany.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
