Summary
The German government accused Elon Musk of trying to influence its February 2024 general election by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
It acknowledged Musk’s right to express his opinion but dismissed its potential impact, calling his remarks “the greatest nonsense.”
Musk described the AfD as Germany’s “last spark of hope” in an opinion piece for Die Welt, sparking backlash and the resignation of a senior editor.
Musk has also faced accusations of trying to sway the 2024 U.S. election in Donald Trump’s favor.
I thought they already did decades ago. What happened?
It is frequently discussed to ban far-right parties. Decades ago, the NPD could have been banned but it was turned down because they were too insignificant (only getting a few percent in elections, if at all).
With the AfD, it’s a different story. They are rather too significant (getting double digit percents). Politicians are worried that if a ban fails, it could give them even more fuel. Some subconscious thought nags me that this wasn’t the actual reason, but it’s the best I can do right now.
And they’re already using Nazi imagery, a felony in Germany
I think you’ve got a point about banning them, regardless of if it’s the reason. It’s what concerns me about Reform being told that they can’t form a government, even though there is a reason why they can’t form one.