Germany is no stranger to political turbulence, but the lead-up to the snap election in four weeks has sent tensions to a boiling point. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Germans gathered in cities such as Berlin and Cologne to protest anti-immigration policies and the controversial rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The message from the streets is clear: many Germans are alarmed. But as immigration becomes the defining issue of the election, the situation remains far from straightforward. Adding fuel to the fire are two major players—Friedrich Merz and Elon Musk—whose actions are further polarizing public opinion.

At the center of the contentious debate is Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader and a frontrunner for the chancellorship. Merz has proposed strict immigration policies, igniting both support from conservatives and fervent opposition from large segments of the population. Many see his stance as aligning uncomfortably close to nationalist ideologies. Protests over the weekend emphasized this unease, with demonstrators warning against normalizing rhetoric they consider divisive. Critics argue that Merz’s hardline approach might be a calculated attempt to pull voters away from the far-right AfD. “This is dangerous territory,” a protester in Berlin remarked. “We can’t afford to erode our values of openness and tolerance.”

Merz’s proposals are set for parliamentary debate this week, promising to place these societal rifts under even sharper focus. Opponents fear that a rightward shift in mainstream politics could embolden extremist ideologies, undermining Germany’s hard-won progress in fostering inclusivity. However, it isn’t just the domestic political landscape that’s under scrutiny. A foreign voice has amplified the turmoil in unexpected ways.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, has thrust himself into the heart of German politics. Over the weekend, Musk shocked many by endorsing the AfD—a party widely criticized for its anti-immigration and nationalist rhetoric. Taking his views beyond social media, Musk attended an AfD rally, sparking outrage with remarks urging Germans to “move past” their historical guilt, referencing events tied to World War II. The backlash was swift and widespread, with leaders across the political spectrum condemning his comments as tone-deaf and provocative. Musk’s endorsement has inadvertently provided the AfD with a global platform, raising concerns that his high-profile backing could legitimize the party among younger, economically progressive voters who might otherwise reject its policies.

The AfD’s rise has long been a source of division in Germany. Musk’s involvement has added a new, unpredictable layer to an already volatile election climate. Some fear his actions could normalize the party’s rhetoric, granting it mainstream traction. Yet, this move has also energized opposition to far-right ideologies. The protests over the weekend reflected a collective resolve against extremism, with many participants warning against repeating mistakes of the past. “Germany has a history,” one demonstrator in Cologne said. “We know where this road leads, and we refuse to go down it.”

This pivotal election comes as debates over immigration reach fever pitch in Germany. The country faces the complex challenge of balancing humanitarian obligations with resource management, a discussion that often devolves into ideological battles. Musk’s entry into the conversation has only raised the stakes, turning a national issue into an international spectacle.