Outrage as Elon Musk claims ‘only AfD can save Germany’
Guardian1 day
Elon Musk Expresses Support for Germany's AfD Party
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Above: Elon Musk stands next to Olaf Scholz during the official opening of the new Tesla electric car manufacturing plant on March 22, 2022, near Gruenheide, Germany. Image copyright: Christian Marquardt/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Elon Musk expressed support for Germany's right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Friday, declaring 'Only the AfD can save Germany' ahead of the country's Feb. 23 election.
Later, Musk called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign in response to a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg that killed at least five and injured hundreds.
The Spin
Right narrative
Despite the state's attempt to undermine German democracy by classifying it as an extremist organization, the AfD increased its vote share in EU elections. The party represents the only path to save Germany from economic decline and failed immigration policies, offering a necessary alternative to the establishment parties that have mismanaged the country's affairs.
Left narrative
It's unacceptable for a key figure in the future US government, a non-European, and a disinformation slingshot to interfere in the German elections. The AfD poses a threat to German democracy with its extremist views, xenophobic rhetoric, and links to far-right ideology, making it dangerous for Musk to legitimize their platform.
