'You need to...': Elon Musk sparks controversy by backing Germany's far-right AfD

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, virtually attended a rally for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party on Saturday, voicing strong support for the party and describing it as the country’s “best hope.” Addressing an audience of about 4,500 people in Halle, Musk urged Germans to embrace their national identity and reject the guilt associated with the country’s Nazi past.

“It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” Musk said. He criticized the European Union for its excessive bureaucracy and expressed hope that AfD’s chancellor candidate, Alice Weidel, would lead the country after the elections on February 23. Referring to Germany’s history, Musk stated that “children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents.”

Musk encouraged AfD supporters to actively campaign for the party, stating, “Tell them 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.” He added that the future of civilization could depend on the upcoming election.

Weidel expressed gratitude for Musk’s endorsement and adopted a slogan associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying she aimed to “Make Germany great again.” Musk had previously defended the AfD in an opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, dismissing accusations of extremism and arguing that the party could save Germany from mediocrity.

However, Musk’s appearance sparked widespread protests across Germany. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities like Cologne and Berlin. Protesters displayed banners opposing the AfD, sang anti-fascist songs, and held illuminated letters spelling “hope and resistance.”

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer criticized Musk’s endorsement, stating, “Those who fuel racism and attack climate protection are not just campaigning; they are endangering lives.” Demonstrations highlighted deep concerns over the AfD’s far-right policies, which many view as a threat to democracy and social cohesion.