Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and owner of X, has come under fire after addressing a rally for Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, where he urged attendees to move on from "past guilt" related to the nation's Nazi history. Speaking via video link to an audience of approximately 4,500 supporters in Halle, he enthusiastically endorsed the AfD as "the best hope for the future of Germany," a sentiment that comes ahead of the country's upcoming elections on February 23.

In his remarks, Musk stated, "Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents," a comment received by supporters with applause but which has drawn significant backlash from various quarters. His suggestion to "move beyond" the focus on past guilt was seen by critics as dangerous, particularly in the context of Holocaust remembrance, which is central to Germany's cultural and political identity.

Many are condemning Musk's comments as being at odds with the nation's commitment to acknowledging its dark past. Dani Dayan, chair of Yad Vashem, Israel's official Holocaust memorial, responded, stating that memory of the Holocaust is crucial for shaping German society and that neglecting this history poses a clear danger to its democratic future. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed these concerns, highlighting the ominous implications of such rhetoric, especially during the anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation.

Musk's speech occurs amid widespread protests opposing the AfD. Tens of thousands of Germans gathered in cities such as Berlin and Cologne, with police estimates accounting for around 100,000 participants. Protesters advocated against the rising far-right sentiment, wielding banners emblazoned with messages like "Nazis out!" demonstrating a robust resistance to the extremist views promoted by the AfD.

This controversial appearance follows a tumultuous week for Musk, during which he made gestures interpreted by many as resembling a Nazi salute during a Trump inauguration event. While Musk dismissed the backlash over the gesture, calling it a "tired" narrative, it has compounded the scrutiny surrounding his political engagements. His remarks about national pride intersect with the AfD's anti-immigrant and anti-EU stances, complicating an already contentious political landscape in Germany.

Germany's intelligence agency has labeled the AfD as a suspected extremist group, reflecting widespread concern over its radicalization. Despite this, the AfD is polling at around 20%, marking a historic moment for a far-right party in post-war Germany. However, all mainstream parties, including the conservative CDU/CSU, maintain a stance of non-cooperation with the AfD due to its extreme outlook.

As the February elections approach, the implications of Musk's support for the AfD, alongside the ongoing protests against it, signify a critical moment in Germany's political discourse, echoing broader tensions across Europe involving populism and far-right ideologies. With the public firmly divided, the stakes of these elections seem poised to resonate on both a national and international scale.

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