Germany: How rise of right and Musk’s involvement have stirred anxiety

Gurjit Singh

Germany is gearing up for a general election to the Bundestag, the lower house of its parliament, on February 23, following the collapse of its “traffic-light” coalition comprising the Social Democrats (SPD), liberals (FDP), and Greens. The country’s proportional electoral system makes pre-election polls a strong indicator of potential government formations.

This election marks a pivotal moment in Germany’s political trajectory, as the right and Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged to second place in the polls, securing around 20 per cent of the vote. The Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance leads with 32 per cent. The rise of the AfD, despite consistent exclusion by the political establishment, highlights a deepening divide within German society.

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As of January 8, 2025, opinion polls show the CDU/CSU leading with 32 per cent, followed by the AfD at 19.2 per cent. The SPD and Greens, with 15.8 per cent and 13.3 per cent, respectively, have seen their support dwindle over the past six months. The FDP, which triggered the coalition’s collapse, is projected to win just 3.8 per cent, falling short of the 5 per cent threshold required for Bundestag representation. Similarly, the Left Party, with 3.1 per cent, is unlikely to enter parliament as its voter base shifts to the emerging Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which gained traction in recent state elections in eastern Germany and peaked at 8 per cent in October 2024. Notably, all major parties continue to reject any association with the AfD.

Founded in 2013, the AfD has built its base on staunch opposition to immigration coming from particularly Muslim-majority countries and criticism of European Union policies. Its nationalist, anti-immigrant rhetoric, combined with climate change denial and Euroscepticism, has alarmed many across the political spectrum. However, its rising popularity reflects broader populist trends across Europe, encouraged by dissatisfaction with traditional political elites, economic challenges, and concerns over cultural identity and immigration.

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Despite being ostracised by mainstream political parties, who accuse it of harbouring extremist elements, the AfD’s ascent is undeniable. This tension was recently underscored by the resignation of a prominent German newspaper editor after publishing content perceived as sympathetic to the AfD’s critique of the political establishment. The incident highlights the growing polarisation within Germany’s media and political landscape, as the AfD’s influence increasingly tests the country’s democratic values.

As the election approaches, reconciling Germany’s democratic principles with the populist surge represented by the AfD remains a pressing challenge. The election outcome is poised to significantly impact the nation’s political discourse and social cohesion.

Musk’s Support for the AfD

In a controversial op-ed published in Welt am Sonntag, tech billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk reiterated his support for the AfD, describing it as the “last spark of hope” for Germany. Building on comments made earlier on X (formerly Twitter), Musk asserted that “only [the] AfD can save Germany”. He defended the AfD against accusations of extremism, noting that its leader, Alice Weidel, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka, rhetorically asking, “Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!”

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Musk praised the AfD’s “political realism”, arguing that it addresses Germans’ concerns without “political correctness that obscures the truth”. He commended its controlled immigration policy, claiming it prioritises integration and the preservation of German culture and security. Musk dismissed accusations of xenophobia, framing the AfD’s approach as a defence of national identity in the face of globalisation.

Musk’s endorsement has drawn widespread backlash, given the AfD’s controversial stances on immigration, nationalism, and right-wing populism. His remarks have intensified the debate over the influence of global figures like Musk on European populist movements and their impact on political discourse.

Reactions to Musk’s Comments

The reaction to Musk’s endorsement was swift and intense. Eva Marie Kogel, editor of Welt am Sonntag’s opinion section, resigned shortly after publishing Musk’s op-ed. Her resignation was seen as a protest against the publication of Musk’s controversial views.

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Jan Philipp Burgard, the incoming editor-in-chief of the Welt group, countered Musk’s claims in a follow-up op-ed, agreeing that Germany faces challenges but rejecting Musk’s assertion that the AfD is the solution. Burgard criticised the AfD’s policies, including its calls to leave NATO, reactivate the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and align with Russia at the expense of the US and European allies. How Musk could support such a position is unclear.

Political leaders also condemned Musk’s intervention. Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and a leading chancellor contender, called Musk’s comments “overbearing and presumptuous,” criticising his interference in Germany’s electoral process. SPD co-leader Saskia Esken accused Musk of undermining democracy for personal gain, stating, “In Elon Musk’s world, democracy and workers’ rights are obstacles to profit.” Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Musk’s remarks, quipping in an interview with Stern, “Don’t feed the troll,” emphasising that Germany’s democracy would not be swayed by wealthy individuals.

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As the election looms, Musk’s controversial endorsement of the AfD has further polarised Germany’s political landscape, raising questions about the intersection of wealth, influence, and democratic values.

Moreover, it also raises anxiety in Germany about the future of its Atlantic partnership with the US. In Trump 1.0, Angela Merkel was at variance with Trump’s positions. Now Germany wants a clearer European position and is wary of Trump 2.0. Musk’s comments have stirred Germany’s pot of anxiety.

The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author.