The German government accuses billionaire Elon Musk of interfering in the election.

The German government has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of plotting to influence the country's upcoming federal election, scheduled for February 23, 2025. According to German cabinet spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann, Musk is attempting to manipulate public opinion in favor of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Billionaire Musk has sparked controversy in Germany after posting on the social media platform X earlier this month that "only the AfD can save Germany." Then, last week, he wrote an editorial in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, in which he defended the party against accusations of extremism and praised its economic policies.

"Elon Musk is really trying to influence the federal election through his statements," Hoffmann said on December 31. She noted that, while freedom of speech allows for the expression of any opinion, including what she called "completely absurd," it does not exempt individuals from the consequences of their words.

According to RT, the AfD has been classified as a "suspicious" extremist organization by Germany's domestic intelligence agency due to its hardline anti-immigration and anti-establishment stance. Currently, the party ranks second in opinion polls, behind the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, but remains alienated by other major parties, which have ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with the AfD.

In his editorial, billionaire Musk dismissed criticisms leveled against the AfD, stating that "describing them as far-right is clearly wrong."

"Traditional parties have failed in Germany. Their policies have led to economic stagnation, social unrest, and the erosion of national identity," Musk wrote. "Despite being labeled far-right, the AfD represents political realism, which is appealing to many Germans who feel their concerns are being ignored by the authorities."

Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate of the CDU/CSU alliance and a potential candidate for the next chancellor, described Musk's interference as "intrusive and arrogant." He said he could not recall a similar instance of interference in the election campaign of a friendly nation.

Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), compared billionaire Musk to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing both of trying to undermine Germany by supporting the AfD.

The three-party coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed in early November due to internal disagreements over spending priorities. On December 16, the German leader lost a vote of confidence in Parliament (Bundestag), signaling the end of his minority government's term. An early election has been scheduled for February 23, 2025.

Founded in 2013, the AfD has gained popularity in recent years. According to a survey conducted by the INSA polling institute for Bild last week, Alice Weidel, 45, co-leader of the AfD, is leading her rivals in the race to become the next prime minister. Weidel is expected to be confirmed as the AfD candidate at a party conference next month.