Elon Musk’s scheduled livestream with Alice Weidel, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s chancellor candidate, is drawing significant attention as Germany approaches its national election. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and the broader implications.

1. An Unstructured and Unpredictable Format

The chat will air on Thursday at 7 p.m. CET (1 p.m. EST) on Musk’s platform, X (formerly Twitter), using the Spaces feature.

• Format Expectations:
  • Largely off-the-cuff and unstructured, mirroring Musk’s past livestreams, such as his conversation with Donald Trump in August.
  • Likely to face technical glitches based on past experiences.
• Duration: Scheduled for up to an hour, with no predetermined structure.

This loose setup aligns with Musk’s spontaneous approach but could lead to a rambling and chaotic conversation.

2. A Far-Right Echo Chamber

Critics argue the livestream could amplify far-right ideologies rather than foster balanced discussion.

• Musk’s Endorsement: In December, Musk declared, “Only the AfD can save Germany,” sparking concerns over his public alignment with a controversial party.
• Misinformation Concerns: Musk has previously reposted content from Naomi Seibt, a right-wing influencer nicknamed the “anti-Greta,” fueling claims that X is becoming a far-right echo chamber.

Despite Musk’s investment in Germany, such as Tesla’s gigafactory near Berlin, his understanding of German politics has been questioned.

3. Will Weidel Show Her True Colors?

Alice Weidel often portrays herself as a more moderate voice within the AfD. However, this conversation may reveal otherwise.

• Radical Statements:
  • In a recent interview, Weidel referred to Germans as a “defeated people” and “slaves” to the U.S., echoing themes common in far-right rhetoric.
  • Observers speculate whether her stance may shift further in Musk’s supportive presence.

Expect her to frame the AfD as a legitimate alternative while leaning into populist narratives.

4. Impact on Germany’s Election Polls

How much influence can Musk wield in Germany’s political landscape?

• Current Polling: The AfD is currently polling at 20%, in second place. While their popularity has risen slightly, Musk’s endorsement hasn’t significantly shifted public opinion so far.
• Expert Analysis:
  • According to Manfred Güllner of the Forsa Institute, Musk’s backing hasn’t provided tangible benefits to the AfD in early polls.
  • However, his support could normalize the party for certain voters, potentially reshaping its public image.

5. Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Musk’s involvement could have legal consequences under both EU and German laws.

• EU Digital Rulebook: The European Commission has suggested that the livestream may breach rules if it provides an unfair advantage to the AfD.
• German Election Laws: Watchdog group LobbyControl warns that the event might qualify as illegal election advertising by a third party, leading to fines for the AfD.

The legal scrutiny could add complexity to Musk’s already controversial involvement in Germany’s politics.

Key Takeaways

• Unstructured Format: Expect a loose and potentially chaotic discussion.
• Echo Chamber Risks: Critics fear a platform for far-right narratives.
• Weidel’s Position: The conversation could reveal her deeper ideological leanings.
• Election Impact: Musk’s endorsement may legitimize the AfD but isn’t expected to shift polls drastically.
• Legal Fallout: The livestream faces potential violations under EU and German regulations.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s chat with Alice Weidel offers a mix of unpredictability, political implications, and legal challenges. As Germany’s election looms, this event serves as both a reflection of far-right populism and a test of the boundaries between global influencers and national politics.

For observers, the livestream will likely offer insights into Musk’s growing political engagement—and its consequences for Germany.