German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed personal attacks from Elon Musk but raised concerns about the tech billionaire’s support for the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party, fearing it could harm the country’s political integrity and transatlantic relations.

Scholz Reacts Calmly to Musk’s Criticism

In a recent interview with Stern magazine, Scholz, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), brushed off Musk’s personal comments, labeling them as “nothing new” from wealthy entrepreneurs who oppose social democratic policies. Scholz advised to “stay cool” in the face of such attacks, reflecting his calm demeanor in the face of controversy.

However, Scholz did not hold back in criticizing Musk’s endorsement of the AfD, a party that has been under domestic intelligence scrutiny for alleged extremist activities. Scholz warned that Musk’s support could undermine democratic values and said that the AfD’s rise posed risks to both Germany’s political landscape and its relations with other nations.

Habeck Joins Scholz in Criticizing Musk’s Interference

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck echoed Scholz’s sentiments, strongly denouncing Musk’s intervention in German politics. “Hands off our democracy, Mr. Musk!” Habeck said in an interview with Der Spiegel, accusing the billionaire of using his wealth, influence, and technologies, like artificial intelligence, to attack democratic systems. Habeck warned that such actions were a direct threat to Germany’s political stability.

Germany is facing early elections on February 23, after Scholz’s coalition government collapsed due to disagreements over economic policies. Musk’s endorsement of the AfD in a highly controversial opinion piece in Welt am Sonntag has further heightened tensions, with critics asserting that the piece added fuel to the fire.

Musk Defends His Right to Influence German Politics

Musk defended his comments, stating that his investments in Germany entitled him to weigh in on the country’s politics. In his opinion piece, Musk described the AfD as “Germany’s last hope,” a statement that sparked a public backlash and led to the resignation of Welt am Sonntag’s opinion editor in protest.

Despite its strong polling numbers, the AfD’s Alice Weidel, who is seen as the party’s candidate for chancellor, has little chance of forming a government, as all major political parties have ruled out cooperation with the far-right group. Nevertheless, Scholz and Habeck remain firm in their stance against Musk’s influence, emphasizing the need to protect Germany’s democracy from foreign interference.