Elon Musk tells Germans to move beyond past guilt at far-right party rally

Elon Musk appeared virtually at a rally for Germany’s Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party on Saturday, once again voicing his support for the far-right party and describing it as the country’s “best hope.” He urged the crowd to not be ashamed of their country’s history.

His remarks come amid controversy over accusations of doing a “Nazi salute” at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration event earlier this week.

Speaking at a campaign event in Halle, Germany, Musk addressed AfD supporters and its chancellor candidate, Alice Weidel. He encouraged them to take pride in their national identity. “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” Musk said.

Musk criticised the European Union, calling its bureaucracy excessive, and expressed hope that Weidel would become chancellor after the election on February 23. Referring to Germany’s Nazi past, he argued that the focus on historical guilt was misplaced. “Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents,” he was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters in its report.

The Tesla CEO urged AfD supporters to campaign actively ahead of the elections. “Tell them that there is a need for change; it’s got to be done. You need to go all out and convince people to vote for AfD,” Musk said. Addressing the crowd of about 4,500 people, he added, “The future of civilisation could hang on this election. I’m very excited for the AfD. I think you’re really the best hope for the future of Germany.”

Weidel thanked Musk for his endorsement, adopting a slogan associated with US President Donald Trump. She said she aimed to “Make Germany great again.”

Earlier, in an opinion piece for Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper in December, Musk defended the party and dismissed accusations of extremism, highlighting Weidel’s sexual orientation, Forbes reported. “Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” he wrote. He accused Germany of “becoming comfortable with mediocrity” and argued that the AfD would “save Germany from becoming a shadow of its former self.”

Musk’s public backing of Weidel included a livestream conversation on X earlier this month, where he voiced support for her anti-immigration policies.

MASS PROTESTS AS MUSK BACKS AfD

On the same day as Musk’s appearance, tens of thousands of Germans protested against the AfD in several cities. Police in Cologne estimated 40,000 participants, while 35,000 demonstrators gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, according to police, news agency Associated Press (AP) reported. Protesters sang anti-fascist songs, displayed banners opposing the AfD, and held illuminated letters spelling “hope and resistance.”

“Those who fuel racism and attack climate protection are not just campaigning, they are endangering lives,” climate activist Luisa Neubauer was quoted as saying by AP in its report.

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