German Politics & Elon Musk's Self-Interested Alignment with AfD

Like most things in Musk's life, his desire to influence Germany politics is all about himself.

Elon Musk’s embrace of far-right politics, particularly in Germany, has coincided with the rise of the “Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)” party. Both Musk and the AfD have promoted deregulation, resisted organized labor, and pushed anti-establishment narratives that undermine Germany’s labor protections. Their convergence is not just ideological—it poses a real economic threat to Germany’s workforce and democratic institutions.

AfD’s Rise: From Economic Populism to Far-Right Extremism

AfD was founded in 2013 as a reaction to the “Eurozone crisis,” positioning itself as an economic nationalist alternative to Germany’s mainstream parties. Initially, the party opposed financial bailouts for struggling EU countries, arguing that German taxpayers were unfairly subsidizing weaker economies.¹ The party’s appeal grew as it capitalized on resentment towards the German government’s fiscal policies.²

By 2015-2017, AfD radicalized, shifting its focus from economics to anti-immigrant rhetoric, fueled by Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to accept over one million asylum seekers. The party embraced a platform of mass deportations, blood-based citizenship laws, and cultural nationalism.³ This ideological shift aligned it with other far-right parties in Europe, cementing its role as Germany’s most significant far-right force.

AfD’s Economic Vision: Deregulation and Anti-Worker Policies

While AfD claims to support the working class, its economic policies actively undermine labor protections. The party advocates for:⁴

• Weakening unions and collective bargaining – AfD seeks to limit the power of Germany’s strong labor unions, reducing worker protections.

• Rolling back minimum wage increases – AfD has opposed minimum wage hikes, despite branding itself as pro-worker.

• Cutting social security benefits – AfD proposes slashing **public welfare programs**, disproportionately harming lower-income workers.

• Deregulating industries – The party favors radical tax cuts and reduced corporate regulations, policies that benefit big business over labor.

Germany’s business community has largely rejected AfD, warning that its nationalist policies and anti-EU stance could destabilize trade and deter foreign investment.⁵ Still, the party has found sympathetic allies—including Elon Musk.

Elon Musk: From Tech Visionary to Right-Wing Agitator

Musk’s rightward shift began around 2020, fueled by his increasing opposition to government regulations and labor protections. He has framed himself as a defender of free speech, while aligning with far-right ideologies.

Personal Politics and the Role of Family Strife

It seems that a major catalyst for Musk’s political turn was his estrangement from his transgender daughter, Vivian Wilson. In 2022, Wilson severed ties with Musk, citing his dismissal of trans rights and authoritarian tendencies. Musk has repeatedly cited this as a reason for his opposition to progressive policies, blaming the “woke mind virus” for his child’s transition.⁶⁷

Musk and AfD: An Alliance of Convenience

Musk has publicly supported AfD, even appearing at party events and criticizing Germany’s focus on historical accountability for Nazi crimes. His statements align with AfD’s efforts to whitewash Germany’s past and promote nationalist policies.⁸

Musk’s Labor Issues in Germany

Musk’s Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin has become a battleground for labor rights. Since its announcement in 2019, the factory has faced legal battles, protests, and union conflicts.

• Environmental and Legal Hurdles

  • Deforestation and water usage concerns – The Gigafactory’s construction involved clearing 194 hectares of forest, sparking **protests and lawsuits.⁹

  • Activist opposition – Environmentalists and labor activists have resisted Tesla’s expansion efforts, arguing that the company undermines local regulations.¹⁰

• Union Clashes and Worker Protections

  • IG Metall disputes – Tesla has clashed with Germany’s largest industrial union, IG Metall, over worker protections and fair pay.

  • Union election violations – In 2024, a German labor court ruled that Tesla’s works council violated election rules, reinforcing concerns about Musk’s anti-union stance.¹¹

  • High absenteeism and labor strife – Musk has criticized German workers for absenteeism, but unions argue that poor working conditions are to blame.¹²

The Dangers of AfD’s and Musk’s Influence on Germany’s Economy

Germany’s economic model is built on strong labor protections, collective bargaining, and industrial regulation. AfD’s push for deregulation and Musk’s resistance to labor rights represent serious risks:

• Weakened worker protections – AfD and Musk’s agenda would strip workers of bargaining power, reducing wages and workplace safety.

• Reduced environmental oversight – Musk’s defiance of German regulations and AfD’s climate skepticism could harm Germany’s green transition.

• Destabilization of economic relations – AfD’s anti-EU stance and Musk’s disruptive influence threaten Germany’s economic stability.

A Call to Action Against Deregulation and Nationalism

The convergence of AfD’s nationalist deregulation agenda and Musk’s anti-labor politics poses a real threat to Germany’s workers, economy, and democracy. With Musk amplifying far-right narratives and AfD gaining mainstream visibility, business leaders, unions, and policymakers must push back to protect Germany’s economic future.

As AfD and Musk attempt to reshape Germany’s labor laws and economic policies, it is critical to resist their efforts to dismantle worker protections, environmental regulations, and social welfare programs. Germany’s economic success is built on fairness, regulation, and stability—values that neither AfD nor Musk respect. Like we’re facing in America, the fight for democracy in Germany is far from over, and at the center of the fight is self-interested billionaire, Elon Musk.

1. “What is the AfD? Germany’s far-right party, explained” — https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-afd-germanys-far-right-party-explained-250218

2. “Did Germany sow the seeds of the eurozone debt crisis?” — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-16761087

3. “What to Know About German Far-Right Party AfD” — https://time.com/7221894/alternative-for-germany-afd-far-right-party-explainer/

4. “German trade unions & the neofascist AfD — https://www.crossbordertalks.eu/2024/06/07/german-trade-unions-amp-the-neofascist-afd/

5. “German businesses speak out against far-right AfD” — https://www.dw.com/en/german-businesses-speak-out-against-far-right-afd/a-71689600

6. “Elon Musk’s journey from humanitarian to poster of rightwing memes — https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/09/elon-musks-journey-from-humanitarian-to-poster-of-rightwing-memes

7. “Elon Musk's transgender daughter, in first interview, says he berated her for being queer as a child” — https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/elon-musk-transgender-daughter-vivian-wilson-interview-rcna163665

8. “Germany's far-right AfD basks in spotlight of Musk support”—https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250216-germany-s-far-right-afd-basks-in-spotlight-of-musk-support

9. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Gigafactory_Berlin-Brandenburg

10. https://apnews.com/article/germany-tesla-plant-expansion-protest-environment-trees-39583a8e2b8f4792fe9d284c67adec5f

11. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/german-labour-court-finds-tesla-broke-union-election-rules-2024-02-13/

12. https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/elon-musk-german-tesla-factory-workers-0317574f