German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has responded with measured composure to recent attacks from Elon Musk, who called him an “incompetent fool” on social media following the dissolution of his coalition government. While the chancellor chose not to engage directly with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s disparaging remarks, he emphasized his deeper concern over Musk’s apparent endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Speaking in an interview, Scholz remarked, “Social media often amplifies voices seeking attention with provocative statements. Feeding into that only detracts from important issues. As for Elon Musk, I’m not interested in his approval and prefer to focus on Germany’s future.”
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck echoed Scholz’s stance, calling Musk’s involvement in German political discourse “deeply troubling” and cautioning against external influences that could undermine democratic stability. “Mr. Musk should keep his hands off our democracy,” Habeck asserted, urging vigilance against manipulation by powerful global figures.
The AfD, which is currently polling at approximately 20%, remains a contentious force in German politics. Although the party is unlikely to form a government due to the refusal of other major parties to cooperate with them, Musk’s endorsement has sparked fears of emboldening far-right ideologies. Political analysts warn that external endorsements from high-profile individuals like Musk could lend legitimacy to fringe movements and sway undecided voters.
Scholz highlighted the resilience of Germany’s democratic system in the face of such challenges. “Germany’s democracy is robust, and its foundations are strong,” he said. “We will not allow our democratic processes to be hijacked by external opinions or divisive rhetoric.”
Adding to the geopolitical dimension, some observers have drawn parallels between Musk’s commentary and concerns over Russian interference in European politics, including its backing of far-right movements. This has raised broader questions about the intersection of corporate influence, global politics, and democratic integrity in the digital age.
Despite the ongoing political turbulence, Scholz has remained focused on preparing for the early parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23. He expressed confidence in the German electorate’s ability to discern the truth and uphold democratic values. “Germany is at a crossroads,” Scholz stated. “But I trust in the wisdom of our people to steer us toward unity and progress.”
As Germany heads into a critical election period, the controversy surrounding Musk underscores the growing influence of non-state actors in shaping political narratives. While Scholz and his government have taken a firm stand against such interventions, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges democracies face in an interconnected and rapidly changing world.
