Elon Musk's Support for Germany's Far-Right Party Stirs Controversy

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has caused quite a stir in Germany with his recent support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This backing, expressed in a guest opinion piece for the newspaper Welt am Sonntag, has led to a significant backlash, including the resignation of the paper's opinion editor. Germany is gearing up for early parliamentary elections in February, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition last month. Musk, known for his controversial stances, has doubled down on his support for the AfD, stating that the party offers hope for the country's future. He argues that the AfD can lead Germany towards economic prosperity, cultural integrity, and technological innovation. However, the party's candidate, Alice Weidel, is unlikely to become chancellor due to other parties refusing to work with the far-right. Musk's view that the AfD is being falsely portrayed as right-wing extremist has sparked a debate on free speech in German media. The paper's editor-in-chief and future editor-in-chief have defended the publication of Musk's piece, stating that it adds to the debate and contributes to democracy and journalism. Critics, however, argue that Musk's support may do more harm than good, given the AfD's controversial policies and image.