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Elon Musk's AfD Endorsement in Die Welt Leads to Editor's Resignation Amid Controversy

Dec 28, 2024, 02:33 PM

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), has sparked controversy in Germany by openly endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In an opinion piece published on December 28, 2024, in Die Welt am Sonntag, Musk described the AfD as Germany's "last hope" for economic renewal, cultural stability, and technological innovation. He argued that the party represents a political realism that resonates with many Germans who feel ignored by the political establishment. Musk defended the AfD against accusations of extremism, pointing out that its leader, Alice Weidel, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka, suggesting this contradicts labels of right-wing extremism. He criticized Germany's decision to phase out nuclear energy in favor of coal and imported gas, calling it "economically costly and geopolitically naive." He also claimed that the country's open borders migration policy has led to significant cultural and social tensions. Furthermore, Musk noted that the AfD's vision aligns with the principles behind his companies, emphasizing innovation and economic freedom. The publication of Musk's op-ed prompted internal disputes at Die Welt, leading to the resignation of Eva Marie Kogel, the opinion editor of the Welt am Sonntag, who protested the decision to give Musk a platform to promote the AfD. This incident has intensified discussions in Germany about the growing support for the AfD, which is on track for its best-ever performance in the upcoming parliamentary elections.