Tech billionaire Elon Musk has penned an op-ed further expressing support for Germany's far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). In response, the paper's commentary editor resigned in protest.
Musk, a close ally of President-elect Trump, contributed a guest opinion piece to Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Axel Springer Media Group's flagship news outlet, which was launched on Saturday. In it, the tech mogul touched on a range of issues that he believes need to be addressed as Germany approaches “economic and cultural collapse.”
Tesla's CEO said the company has “the right” to address the country's political situation because it has “invested heavily” in Germany's technology and industrial sectors.
Musk's op-ed in a German paper was published just over a week ago after a SpaceX executive endorsed the far-right party, saying, “Only the AfD can save Germany.” He faced backlash from some current and former members of Congress, some of whom called the group a neo-Nazi party.
“Painting the AfD as right-wing extremists is patently false, given that party leader Alice Weidel has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please? !'' Musk mentioned Weidel, the party's co-chair, in his opinion piece.
In his op-ed, Musk argued that Germany's economy is being handicapped by excessive regulation and bureaucracy.
“AfD understands that economic freedom is not only desirable, but necessary. Its approach of reducing government overregulation, lowering taxes, and deregulating markets has led Tesla and SpaceX to success. “It reflects our principles,” Musk wrote (according to a rough translation).
He added: “If Germany wants to regain its industrial strength, it needs a party that not only talks about growth but also takes policy measures to create an environment in which companies can grow without significant government intervention.” Ta.
Musk also supported the AfD's immigration proposals in an op-ed. The party, like the incoming Trump administration in the United States, has supported deportations from Germany. The tech entrepreneur also called on Germany to diversify its reliance on energy sources, including using nuclear power and building more battery storage.
“Traditional political parties have failed in Germany. Their policies have led to economic stagnation, social unrest and a decline in national identity,” Musk wrote, according to a translation. “Despite being labeled as far-right, the AfD represents a political realism that resonates with many Germans who feel their concerns are ignored by the establishment. ”
After the editorial was published, Eva Marie Kogel, editor-in-chief of the paper's opinion section, issued the following statement: Resignation With X.
The paper's top editors, Jan-Philippe Bourgaard and Ulf Pochart, said: said Reuters said, “Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression. This includes addressing polarizing positions and categorizing them journalistically,” commenting on Musk's op-ed. He added that the statement was “very revealing.”
Burgaard wrote a response below Musk's text saying that the tech mogul's “diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach that only the AfD can save Germany is fatally wrong.”
Elections in Germany are scheduled for February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government. The AfD reportedly Number 2 In a public opinion poll.
