BERLIN, Germany – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a pointed message in his New Year’s address on Tuesday, condemning what he described as external interference in the nation’s upcoming snap elections.
Without naming him directly, Scholz targeted tech billionaire Elon Musk, who recently endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
“You, the citizens, decide what happens in Germany,” Scholz said, according to the advance text of his address released to the press on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
“It’s not up to the owners of social media.”
Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), sparked widespread backlash after penning an opinion piece in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag over the weekend, doubling down on his support for the AfD.
Musk has also launched a series of attacks on mainstream German politicians, referring to Scholz as “Oaf Schitz” and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an “anti-democratic tyrant.”
A Brewing Controversy
The endorsement and inflammatory rhetoric have drawn condemnation across Germany’s political spectrum.
Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck accused Musk of “strengthening those who are weakening Europe” in his own New Year’s message.
The AfD, founded in 2013 as a euroskeptic party, has shifted further right in recent years. It is classified as a suspected extremist organization by Germany’s federal domestic intelligence agency.
While the party has gained some traction in opinion polls, it remains controversial, with many Germans wary of its divisive rhetoric and policies.
Implications for Germany’s Elections
The February 23 snap election comes at a critical juncture for Germany.
Polls currently place the conservative alliance led by Friedrich Merz ahead, but the AfD’s rising popularity and Musk’s high-profile intervention have injected uncertainty into the race.
Scholz sought to reassure voters, emphasising that “the vast majority of reasonable and decent people” would ultimately shape the country’s future.
Musk’s influence could extend beyond Germany.
As a close adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Musk’s actions and endorsements may hint at potential shifts in transatlantic relations under the next American administration.
Trump’s allyship with populist and nationalist leaders in Europe has raised concerns about the implications for European unity and democracy.
Musk’s Growing Role in European Politics
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD is part of a broader pattern of support for populist leaders across Europe, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK.
His growing political activity has stirred debate about the influence of billionaires in shaping political discourse and outcomes, particularly via social media platforms like X.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about regulating the role of social media in election campaigns, both in Germany and globally.
A Defining Moment
As Germany approaches a pivotal election, Scholz’s remarks underline the stakes for the nation’s democratic fabric.
With external actors like Musk weighing in, the election’s outcome will not only determine the country’s leadership but also send a message about the resilience of its democratic institutions in the face of rising populism and external pressures.
For now, Scholz’s call for unity and reason serves as a reminder of the challenges democracies face in an increasingly interconnected and turbulent world.
