Elon Musk's support for the AfD sparks controversy in German politics.

Elon Musk's recent support for the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has sparked a wave of reactions in the political and social landscape of the European country. Through his account on X, the tech mogul expressed that "only the AfD can save Germany," a comment that quickly spread, accumulating over 25 million views within hours. This endorsement comes at a crucial time as Germany prepares for early elections on February 23, following the dissolution of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition in November. Musk made his statement seemingly in response to a video by Naomi Seibt, an influential far-right figure in Germany, who criticized the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Merz, for dismissing the idea of seeking inspiration from Musk and other controversial leaders, such as Argentine President Javier Milei. The situation highlights the growing political polarization in Germany, where the AfD has been gaining ground, especially in the regions of former East Germany, where its ultranationalist messages resonate strongly. Despite its increasing popularity in certain areas, the AfD continues to be rejected by the major German parties, including the Christian Democratic Union and Scholz's Social Democratic Party, which have labeled the party a threat to democracy. This context underscores the tension surrounding contemporary German politics, where extreme ideologies are blurring traditional boundaries. The controversy surrounding the AfD is not new. Throughout the year, the party has been at the center of several scandals, such as its members attending meetings with far-right extremists and sanctions against its leaders for using symbols and slogans from the Nazi era. These attitudes have sparked mass protests and increasing scrutiny from authorities and civil society. Musk's comment has resonated with the AfD leader, Alice Weidel, who quickly endorsed his words. "Yes, you are absolutely right," she posted in response, indicating that the party is eager to capitalize on any support that could help consolidate its image and expand its voter base. However, this also raises questions about the influence that international figures can exert on local political dynamics. The magnitude of Musk's support for the German far-right cannot be underestimated. While the entrepreneur's figure has been polarizing in the U.S. context, his influence extends to Europe, where he has shown interest in parties that share anti-immigration rhetoric. Recently, he met with Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, in a clear sign that his political inclinations transcend borders. In British politics, Musk has also been critical of the Labour government, accusing them of authoritarian behavior. His assertion that a "civil war" was inevitable in the UK reflects his tendency to dramatize political situations, and his support for controversial figures only adds fuel to the already tense political atmosphere in Europe. Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democratic Party, has spoken out about the need to consider the ideas of Musk and Milei, but also warned of the danger of associating with the AfD. His message seems to attempt to distance his party from extremism, suggesting that political innovation should not come hand in hand with those who promote hatred and division. In a context where the AfD has 19% support in polls, its ability to mobilize voters around Musk's figure could be significant. However, Germany's recent history reminds us that extreme ideologies often lead to greater social discontent and the fragmentation of the democratic fabric. The future of German politics is uncertain, with an electoral landscape that could change dramatically in the coming weeks. Musk's interference and the resurgence of the AfD are just two of the many factors that will influence the outcome of this contest. Civil society must remain vigilant against the dangers posed by extremism and misinformation as elections approach and tensions continue to rise.