Elon Musk Calls for Germans to Move Past Nazi Guilt at Far-Right Rally

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In a surprising virtual address during the Alternative for Germany (AfD) election campaign rally in Halle, Germany, on January 27, Tesla CEO Elon Musk urged attendees to embrace their heritage and "move beyond" the guilt associated with the country's Nazi past. Speaking to a crowd of around 4,500, Musk expressed his support for AfD and emphasized the importance of pride in German culture.

Musk stated, “It’s OK to be proud to be German,” highlighting his belief that Germans should not feel guilty for the actions of previous generations. He criticized what he termed an excessive focus on historical guilt, suggesting that children should not be burdened by the sins of their parents or ancestors.

At the rally, Musk encouraged participants to be "optimistic" about Germany’s future and to rally behind AfD in the upcoming early election on February 23. He claimed that this election holds significant implications not just for Germany, but potentially for all of Europe.

His comments come amid controversy over his past gestures that some interpreted as Nazi-like during previous public appearances. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Musk's remarks, asserting that while freedom of speech is vital, it should not promote extreme-right ideologies.

Germany's political climate is tense following the collapse of Chancellor Scholz’s coalition government in late 2024, with the AfD gaining notable traction as the country prepares for critical elections.

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