Elon Musk Rallies Far-Right Supporters in Germany

Elon Musk, the world's richest person, made a surprise appearance at an Alternative for Germany (AfD) election campaign event, addressing a crowd of 4,500 supporters in Halle, eastern Germany. This marks the second time in as many weeks that Musk has publicly supported the far-right party.

During his virtual address, Musk urged Germans to move "past guilt," a statement that comes amidst controversy surrounding a gesture he made during US President Donald Trump's inauguration festivities, which drew comparisons to a Nazi salute. Musk has vehemently denied any such intention.

His remarks also coincide with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a somber occasion where world leaders and royalty will gather to commemorate the victims of Nazi Germany's atrocities.

Addressing the AfD crowd alongside party leader Alice Weidel, Musk stated that "children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great grandparents," seemingly referencing Germany's Nazi past. He further emphasized the need to move beyond "too much focus on past guilt."

The tech entrepreneur also spoke of preserving German culture and protecting the German people. "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 said.

Musk, who has previously criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Twitter for suppressing free speech, expressed his support for the AfD, stating, "I'm very excited for the AfD, I think you're really the best hope for Germany fight for a great future for Germany."

Weidel thanked Musk and echoed his sentiments, stating that the Republicans were making America great again and calling on her supporters to do the same for Germany.

Earlier this month, Musk hosted Weidel in an interview on Twitter, raising concerns about potential election meddling.

Despite the winter weather, anti-far-right campaigners gathered in large numbers, with approximately 100,000 people assembling around Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and up to 20,000 in Cologne, carrying colorful umbrellas and representing a diverse range of ages.