How Elon Musk’s favourite party AfD performed in 2025 German election | World News

From left, Activists sporting masks of AfD high candidate for Chancellor Alice Weidel, Elon Musk, US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Vice President JD Vance, protest in opposition to the help of the US and Russia for the far-right AfD party in entrance of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. AP/PTI

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic milestone in the 2025 German federal elections, securing roughly 20.8% of the vote and establishing itself because the second-largest political drive in the nation. This efficiency marks a big enhance from its earlier outcomes, with the party gaining substantial traction, significantly in jap Germany.
Despite these beneficial properties, the AfD stays politically remoted, as mainstream events—together with the election-winning Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU)—have dominated out any collaboration with the far-right party. This stance successfully excludes the AfD from taking part in the federal government.

AfD’s Election Success: Key Figures and Regional Gains

The Role of Elon Musk and International Endorsements
The AfD’s rise has been amplified by public endorsements from high-profile figures, notably Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Their help has drawn international consideration to the party’s marketing campaign, significantly by way of social media platforms.
Musk, who has more and more aligned himself with right-wing politics, publicly endorsed the AfD, stating: “Only the AfD can save Germany.”
This endorsement from one of many world’s most influential entrepreneurs, together with help from JD Vance, has helped legitimize the AfD’s anti-immigration and nationalist message, particularly amongst conservative and libertarian-leaning voters.

Factors Contributing to AfD’s Performance

Alice Weidel, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s candidate for chancellor, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, not pictured, maintain a press convention following their assembly in the federal government headquarters in Budapest, Hungary, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI through AP)

Anti-Immigration Stance
The AfD has dominated political discourse with requires closed borders and restrictions on asylum seekers, resonating significantly in areas going through financial challenges and demographic shifts.
Public Discontent with the Ruling Coalition
The earlier authorities’s dealing with of financial points, rising power costs, and immigration has led to voter dissatisfaction, which the AfD has successfully capitalized on.
Influence of Social Media and High-Profile Endorsements
Platforms like X (previously Twitter) have performed a big function in amplifying the AfD’s message, with endorsements from figures like Elon Musk growing the party’s visibility.
Support from Young Voters
The AfD has made notable inroads amongst youthful voters, a demographic historically leaning in direction of left-wing events. This shift could also be attributed to financial uncertainties and a response in opposition to political correctness.
Political Isolation and Coalition Prospects
Despite its electoral success, the AfD stays politically remoted. Mainstream events, together with the CDU/CSU, have categorically dominated out forming coalitions with the AfD. CDU chief Friedrich Merz emphasised elementary coverage variations, significantly relating to the European Union and international coverage, as boundaries to any potential cooperation.

Future Outlook for the AfD
Looking forward, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has expressed ambitions to additional elevate the party’s standing, stating: “We will overtake the CDU/CSU. And then we will get a mandate to govern.” While the AfD’s current beneficial properties signify a notable shift in Germany’s political panorama, the party faces ongoing challenges, together with authorized scrutiny, public protests, and steadfast resistance from the political institution. The coming years can be pivotal in figuring out whether or not the AfD can maintain its momentum and overcome the boundaries to getting into authorities.