Public statements or press releases from Elon Musk or his representatives

Elon Musk's Pro–Far-Right AfD Op-Ed in Welt am Sonntag Prompts Editor Eva Marie Kogel's Resignation

Dec 30, 2024, 02:50 PM

Elon Musk has penned an opinion piece in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, openly supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been labeled an 'extremist organization' by German domestic intelligence since 2021. In his article, Musk described the AfD as Germany's 'last spark of hope' and justified his backing of the controversial party. The publication prompted the resignation of the newspaper's opinion editor, Eva Marie Kogel, who stepped down in protest. Musk had previously referred to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as an 'imbecile incompetent'. The German government has accused Musk of attempting to influence the upcoming federal election scheduled for February 23, with a spokesperson stating that Musk is 'trying to exert influence' over the election but added that 'freedom of expression includes even the most absurdities'. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and debate in Germany and abroad.