Elon Musk Advocates for German Pride at Far-Right Rally

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Tech billionaire Elon Musk made a controversial virtual appearance at a rally for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on January 27, 2025. Speaking to an audience of approximately 4,500 supporters in Halle, Musk called on Germans to embrace pride in their heritage and "move beyond" the guilt associated with the nation's Nazi past.

During his address alongside party leader Alice Weidel, Musk emphasized the importance of preserving German culture and values, attributing the need for national pride to a sense of optimism for Germany’s future. “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” he stated.

Musk's comments come in the context of upcoming elections in Germany, where a coalition government has recently collapsed, prompting an early election on February 23. He believes the election could have significant repercussions not only for Germany but for Europe as a whole.

Critics, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have condemned Musk’s remarks, arguing that freedom of speech does not extend to promoting extreme-right ideologies. Scholz has previously stated that society must not condone extreme views and has countered Musk's influence by reiterating a commitment to diversity and historical awareness.

Musk defended his statements and dismissed the backlash as a tired attack against him, reiterating his view in a guest article where he described the AfD as a potential spark of hope for the country.

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