In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk made a video address to a rally for Germany's far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) party on January 25, 2025, calling the party "the best hope for the future of Germany." This appearance has come under heavy scrutiny amidst ongoing protests against the far-right movement across the nation.

During the rally held in Halle, which gathered approximately 4,500 enthusiastic supporters, Musk emphasized the need for the German people to move beyond past guilt associated with the Nazi regime, stating, "Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents." He added, "There is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that," reflecting a controversial perspective on Germany's historical narrative, as reported by USA Today.

Musk's remarks came at a time when the AfD, which is known for its anti-immigrant policies and skepticism of the European Union, is polling at around 20 percent ahead of the February 23 elections, breaking long-held taboos in post-war Germany against far-right affiliations SCMP. The comments have drawn comparisons to his recent controversial stance following a gesture interpreted by some as a Nazi salute during a Donald Trump inauguration event, which Musk has denied, labeling the backlash as a smear Forbes.

Accompanying Musk was Alice Weidel, the party co-leader, who echoed his sentiments by urging her supporters to fight for a "great future for Germany," adopting a slogan reminiscent of Trump’s "Make America Great Again." Weidel stated that the AfD was focused on preserving German culture amid what they view as a dilution by multiculturalism, a notion Musk passionately defended, asserting, "It's good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything" The Independent.

However, Musk's participation has not been welcomed without opposition. Nationwide protests have seen 35,000 in Berlin and 40,000 in Cologne rallying against the AfD's rise, with many carrying banners that read "Nazis out" and "Resistance." Activists are increasingly worried about the potential normalization of far-right sentiments in German politics CNN.

As the political climate intensifies ahead of the upcoming elections, the implications of Musk's engagement can potentially shift public opinion and influence electoral outcomes. This situation highlights a broader trend of billionaires like Musk playing significant roles in political landscapes, provoking strong reactions from both supporters and critics alike. As Musk himself noted, "I think it could decide the entire fate of Europe, maybe the fate of the world" Le Monde.

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