📌 Introduction: A Nation on Edge as Elections Approach
Germany is witnessing a surge of political tensions as thousands of protesters take to the streets of Berlin, voicing their concerns over foreign interference in the country’s elections {German Elections}. The demonstrations, which have drawn a diverse crowd of activists, politicians, and civil society groups, are specifically targeting the perceived support of far-right movements by foreign figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As Germany’s 2025 elections approach, fears are mounting that external forces are attempting to sway public opinion, particularly by boosting nationalist and far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The protests highlight growing anxieties over democracy, misinformation, and the fragile state of European unity.
But why have these figures been singled out? What role do they play in the current political climate in Germany? Let’s break it down.
📌 The Protests in Berlin: A Massive Show of Resistance
On February 20, 2025, tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of Berlin, waving European Union flags, holding placards denouncing far-right ideologies, and chanting slogans calling for the protection of German democracy. The protests took place near Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Alexanderplatz, key historical and political landmarks.
🔹 Key Messages from Protesters:
- “Germany is not for sale!”
- “No to foreign interference in our democracy!”
- “Putin, Trump, Musk – keep your hands off our elections!”
The movement, organized by a coalition of pro-democracy groups, student activists, and labor unions, was also joined by leading German politicians from mainstream parties such as the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and Christian Democrats (CDU).
📌 Who Are the Foreign Figures at the Center of Controversy?
The protests specifically targeted three high-profile figures accused of fueling far-right sentiments in Germany:
1️⃣ Donald Trump – The Far-Right’s Biggest Cheerleader?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of nationalist movements across Europe, has openly praised German far-right parties like the AfD. During a recent rally in the U.S., Trump stated:
“The globalist elites have ruined Germany. The people want their country back. And they will get it!”
His remarks, widely shared on right-wing social media networks, have emboldened far-right leaders in Germany, who view Trump as a symbol of anti-establishment resistance. Critics argue that his rhetoric legitimizes nationalist ideologies, making it easier for extremists to gain political traction.
2️⃣ Elon Musk – A Tech Mogul’s Role in Political Discourse
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also found himself embroiled in Germany’s political debate, primarily due to his increasing criticism of immigration policies and left-wing governance in Europe.
In recent months, Musk has:
- Amplified anti-immigration rhetoric on X (formerly Twitter), warning about the “decline of European civilization.”
- Engaged with far-right accounts that promote conspiracy theories about migration and crime.
- Criticized Germany’s support for Ukraine, questioning why taxpayer money is being used for “foreign wars.”
Musk’s Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin has also been a point of tension, with workers’ unions accusing him of fostering anti-labor policies. Some protesters carried banners reading: “Musk, you are NOT welcome in Germany!”
3️⃣ Vladimir Putin – The Shadow of Russian Influence
Of the three figures, Russian President Vladimir Putin is viewed as the most dangerous external force influencing Germany’s far-right.
Putin’s government has:
- Funded pro-Kremlin media networks that spread nationalist and Euroskeptic propaganda in Germany.
- Allegedly provided financial and logistical support to far-right groups, including the AfD.
- Leveraged energy dependency to pressure Germany on foreign policy matters.
In the eyes of many Germans, Putin is actively working to weaken European unity and fuel political division, much like Russia’s interference in past U.S. and French elections.
📌 The Rise of the Far-Right in Germany: A Growing Concern
At the heart of the protests is the concern that Germany’s far-right movement is stronger than ever. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, once a fringe movement, has been gaining significant electoral support, particularly in eastern Germany.
🔹 Recent Polls Suggest:
- The AfD is polling at 20-22% nationally, making it the second or third-largest party in some surveys.
- In eastern states like Saxony and Thuringia, AfD enjoys over 30% support, surpassing mainstream parties.
- The party has shifted from Euroskeptic conservatism to full-fledged ultranationalism, embracing anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-climate policies.
Many analysts believe that foreign actors like Russia and influential figures like Trump and Musk are amplifying these trends.
📌 The German Government’s Response: Cracking Down on Foreign Interference
The German government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has promised to take strong measures to combat election meddling and disinformation.
🔹 Key Actions Taken:
✅ Expanding cybersecurity measures to prevent foreign hacking attempts.
✅ Monitoring social media for coordinated disinformation campaigns.
✅ Increasing transparency laws around foreign funding for political parties.
✅ Strengthening collaboration with EU and NATO allies to counter Russian influence.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated:
“We will not allow external forces to manipulate our elections. Germany’s democracy is not for sale.”
The government has also warned that public figures who promote disinformation or undermine democracy could face legal consequences, including being banned from entering Germany.
📌 What’s Next? A Pivotal Election Year for Germany
As Germany heads toward its high-stakes 2025 election, the battle between pro-democracy forces and the rising far-right will intensify.
🔹 What to Watch For in the Coming Months:
- Will Germany introduce stricter regulations on social media platforms?
- How will far-right parties respond to accusations of foreign influence?
- Will Trump, Musk, or Putin continue making statements that affect Germany’s elections?
- How will mainstream parties counter the AfD’s growing popularity?
For now, Berlin’s protests serve as a warning that Germany’s democratic institutions are under pressure—and that citizens are willing to take a stand against foreign interference.
As one protester put it:
“We fought for democracy. We will not let Trump, Musk, or Putin take it away from us.”
The road to the 2025 German elections is set to be one of the most consequential in recent history—and the world is watching.