Musk's post sparks criticism over meddling in upcoming German polls

A post from Mr Elon Musk on his platform X claiming that only the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party can "save Germany" sparked accusations on Dec 20 that he was seeking to interfere in the country's upcoming election.

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The billionaire, set to play a key role in US President-elect Donald Trump's administration as "efficiency czar", posted the message over a video commentary about the leader of Germany's centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, Mr Friedrich Merz.

The video criticised Mr Merz - who polls say is on course to become the next chancellor after February's elections - for his refusal to work with the anti-immigration AfD, currently polling in second place.

Following a deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market late on Dec 20 in the eastern city of Magdeburg - blamed on a Saudi man - Mr Musk called the assault a "direct result of mass unchecked immigration".

The German government has avoided strong comment, but lawmakers from across mainstream parties, which have all ruled out cooperating with the AfD, reacted with outrage to Mr Musk's comment about the party.

He doubled down later in the day, saying AfD is "obviously not 'far right'! Just common sense policies".

Mr Dennis Radtke, a member of the European Parliament for CDU, spoke out forcefully.