Elon Musk has stirred controversy once again, this time in Germany, as he gears up to engage in a live conversation with the chancellor candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Alice Weidel. This move comes in the midst of an approaching emergency election scheduled for February 23. Musk’s recent endorsement of the AfD both online and in a newspaper opinion piece has sparked outrage among mainstream German political leaders, who have accused the tech magnate of election interference.

In response to these accusations, a spokesperson for AfD leader Weidel, Daniel Tapp, announced that Musk is preparing to hold a live conversation with Weidel on his platform X in the near future. The exact date of the audio livestream has not yet been set, but it is expected to take place before the upcoming election. Musk’s public support for the AfD has raised eyebrows in Germany, with critics questioning the tech billionaire’s motivations and potential impact on the country’s political landscape.

The backlash against Musk’s endorsements of the AfD can be traced back to his past affiliations with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Some German political leaders speculate that Musk’s actions may be part of a broader strategy to influence the country’s elections, given his ties to the Trump administration. Rolf Mützenich, a prominent member of Germany’s Social Democratic Party, has called for an investigation into Musk’s involvement in the election campaign, warning against foreign interference in Germany’s political affairs.

The German government has also weighed in on the controversy, accusing Musk of attempting to sway the federal election in favor of the AfD. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, officials have expressed concerns about the potential impact of Musk’s public statements on the electoral process. As the AfD continues to gain traction in the polls, Musk’s endorsement could have far-reaching implications for the outcome of the election and the future political landscape of Germany.

At present, the AfD is polling at 19%, making it the second-largest party in Germany. The Christian Democratic Union, led by Friedrich Merz, holds the top spot with 30% support. With the election just around the corner, the competition between the conservative alliance and the AfD is heating up, with Musk’s endorsement adding a new layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.

Musk’s decision to engage in a live conversation with Weidel has reignited fears of potential collaboration between Trump and a future conservative-led government in Germany. During his presidency, Trump had a fraught relationship with Germany and its then-chancellor Angela Merkel, prompting concerns about the implications of a Musk-backed AfD victory on U.S.-German relations.

In light of Musk’s previous live discussion with Trump on his platform X, which was marred by technical difficulties and widespread criticism, the upcoming conversation with Weidel is sure to attract significant attention and scrutiny. As Musk continues to make waves in the political arena, his actions raise important questions about the role of tech billionaires in shaping the future of democracy and governance.