Over the past two months, tech billionaire Elon Musk has increasingly promoted far-right political causes in Europe, notably lending his support to Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
In at least two dozen posts on his social media platform X, Musk hailed the party as Germany’s “only hope” and even interviewed its leader, a move that has attracted significant attention.
A review of Musk’s posts and polling data indicates that his support had little measurable impact on the AfD’s second-place finish in the February 23 election. Political analysts suggest that while Musk’s endorsements may have enhanced the party’s appeal among younger voters, local factors—such as recent violent incidents and long-standing political dynamics—played a more decisive role.
Analysts note that Musk’s far-right activism appears to be part of a broader strategy. Beyond influencing political discourse, he may be seeking to back political forces that favor a reduction in regulations he considers hindering technological innovation. However, his public political stance has come at a cost to his flagship company. Recent data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association and surveys by an electric vehicle review website reveal that Tesla’s sales in Europe have been impacted, with some potential buyers indicating they would avoid Tesla because of Musk’s political positions.
Martin Fassnacht, chair of strategy and marketing at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, remarked that while Musk may have made the AfD appear “cooler” to some voters, his influence on overall election outcomes remains limited. Yet the market impact is evident; Tesla’s European sales have fallen by over 10% in recent reports, and anti-Tesla campaigns have emerged on social media.
Musk has extended his support beyond Germany, promoting right-wing figures in Britain, Italy, and Romania while frequently criticizing European political leaders and regulatory bodies. His actions have intensified debate over the role of social media in shaping political discourse across the continent.
Both Musk and Tesla have declined to comment on the broader implications of his political endorsements. As European consumers and policymakers continue to grapple with the intersection of politics and technology, the long-term effects on Tesla’s brand and market performance remain uncertain.
Tesla’s market performance in Scandinavia has experienced a notable downturn, with registration data from February showing a significant decline compared to the previous year.
U.S. electric vehicle giant Tesla experienced a dramatic drop in European sales in January, with a year-on-year decline of 45.2%, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
Shanghai, February 24, 2025 – Tesla Inc. is preparing a software update for its Chinese customers that will enable advanced driving-assistance features similar to its full self-driving (FSD) capabilities available in the United States.
Tesla has introduced an upgraded Model Y in China, featuring enhanced design and functionality, priced from 263,500 yuan ($35,900), as the company seeks to reclaim market share in the highly competitive EV market.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for resettling Palestinians and instead advocating a Palestinian-led governance structure.
Germany’s conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans on Tuesday to create a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and adjust borrowing rules to allow for a major increase in defence spending.
Ford Motor Company will recall 35,328 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to faulty LED lights in the exterior mirrors, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday.
Pope Francis is reported to have rested well overnight at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after suffering a setback in his battle with double pneumonia.
A centuries old tradition of cheese-throwing has brought excitement to the town of Novara di Sicilia as its residents both young and old trooped out en masse to participate in the game.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for resettling Palestinians and instead advocating a Palestinian-led governance structure.
Germany’s conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans on Tuesday to create a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and adjust borrowing rules to allow for a major increase in defence spending.
Pope Francis is reported to have rested well overnight at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after suffering a setback in his battle with double pneumonia.
Finland’s security and intelligence service, Supo, has described the number of cable incidents in the Baltic Sea as "exceptional" in recent years, even though state actors possess far more effective means of conducting underwater sabotage than simply dragging anchors.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for resettling Palestinians and instead advocating a Palestinian-led governance structure.
Germany’s conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans on Tuesday to create a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and adjust borrowing rules to allow for a major increase in defence spending.
Ford Motor Company will recall 35,328 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to faulty LED lights in the exterior mirrors, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday.
Pope Francis is reported to have rested well overnight at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after suffering a setback in his battle with double pneumonia.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment