Elon Musk, co-leader of Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, congratulated Alice Weidel on her party’s strong performance in Sunday’s election. The AfD doubled its support from the last election, securing second place behind the conservative CDU/CSU opposition.
Weidel hinted that she had missed calls from Musk, who personally congratulated her and shared a post showing the party’s gains since 2021. She added that she was in contact with many international allies, including those in the Trump administration.
Far-right leaders across Europe rejoiced at the AfD’s strong showing, with Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister, praising Weidel’s “doubled share of votes.” Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister, and Geert Wilders, Netherlands’ Party for Freedom leader, also congratulated Weidel.
Herbert Kickl, Austria’s Freedom party leader, hailed the AfD as a “gaping hole in the firewall” against democratic change. Meanwhile, Javier Milei, Argentinian president, shared a video of Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, warning against “ruling classes” and “mainstream media.”
Marine Le Pen, France’s National Rally leader, remained silent on the results. The AfD’s co-leader Tino Chrupalla also received congratulations from former German football players Uli Hoeneß and Franz Beckenbauer.
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD marked a significant shift in his stance, with him previously describing the party as the “best hope for the future” in Germany. The outcome is likely to fuel further tensions between Europe and the US.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/24/elon-musk-congratulates-afd-alice-weidel-germany-election