Elon Musk Endorses Germany's Far-Right AfD Party at Campaign Rally

Elon Musk made a surprise appearance at a campaign rally for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party on Saturday, January 25, 2025, addressing a crowd of 4,500 supporters in Halle via video link. The Tesla CEO and billionaire entrepreneur expressed his support for the AfD, calling it the “best hope for Germany” and urging Germans to take pride in their culture and values. Musk’s remarks, which included a call to move beyond “past guilt” related to Germany’s Nazi history, sparked controversy and drew criticism from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and others.

Musk’s appearance marked his second public endorsement of the AfD in recent weeks. He previously hosted AfD leader Alice Weidel on his social media platform, X, for a live interview, during which he praised the party’s policies. At the rally, Musk emphasized the importance of preserving German culture, stating, “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 also suggested that Germany’s focus on historical guilt was excessive, saying, “Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents.”

Weidel, the AfD’s candidate for chancellor, thanked Musk for his support and echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s slogan, urging her supporters to “Make Germany great again.” The AfD, which is currently polling second in Germany’s upcoming snap election on February 23, has faced criticism for its anti-immigrant stance and ties to far-right extremism. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has classified the party as a “suspected” extremist organization.

Musk’s involvement in German politics has drawn widespread attention, particularly after he made a gesture at Trump’s inauguration that some likened to a Nazi salute. Musk denied the comparison, calling it an “awkward gesture” made in enthusiasm. However, his repeated support for the AfD has raised concerns about foreign interference in Germany’s elections.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets in cities like Berlin and Cologne to protest the rise of the far right. Demonstrators, including climate activists and anti-fascist groups, denounced the AfD and its policies, with some carrying banners reading “Never again is now.” The protests coincided with the AfD’s campaign launch, highlighting the deep divisions in German society as the election approaches.

Elon Musk makes surprise appearance at AfD event in eastern Germany

Elon Musk makes surprise appearance at AfD event in eastern Germany

Tycoon tells 4,500 people at campaign event in Halle to be proud of German culture in speech via video link

www.theguardian.com
Musk tells Germans to get over 'past guilt' in speech to far-right AfD rally

Musk tells Germans to get over 'past guilt' in speech to far-right AfD rally

The tech billionaire and Trump adviser has drawn rebukes for repeatedly endorsing the AfD in the leadup to Germany’s snap election next month.

www.politico.com
Elon Musk urges far-right German party to move beyond ‘past guilt’

Elon Musk urges far-right German party to move beyond ‘past guilt’

The billionaire was received by cheers while addressing a rally for Alternative for Germany where he told attendees they shouldn’t be ashamed of their

www.washingtonpost.com
Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month's election

Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month's election

Tens of thousands of Germans have protested in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party

apnews.com
Elon Musk appears on video at German far right campaign event

Elon Musk appears on video at German far right campaign event

It's good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything, Musk said.

www.reuters.com
Germany: Thousands march as AfD election campaign begins – DW – 01/25/2025

Germany: Thousands march as AfD election campaign begins – DW – 01/25/2025

Thousands of people protested the rise of the far right in cities across Germany on Saturday, as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party campaign kick

www.dw.com
Elon Musk Addresses Germany’s Far-Right AfD Party In Surprise Rally Appearance—Amid ‘Nazi Salute’ Controversy

Elon Musk Addresses Germany’s Far-Right AfD Party In Surprise Rally Appearance—Amid ‘Nazi Salute’ Controversy

The world’s richest person has heaped praise on the Alternative for Deutschland party in recent weeks ahead of the country’s upcoming election.

www.forbes.com
Latest news reports on FRANCE, French politics and culture - France 24

Latest news reports on FRANCE, French politics and culture - France 24

Follow FRANCE 24’s coverage of events in Paris and across France, Corsica and the French overseas territories. An insider look at French politics, cul

www.france24.com
Germany’s far-right firewall weakens as Merz pledges migration crackdown

Germany’s far-right firewall weakens as Merz pledges migration crackdown

Germany’s conservative candidate, Friedrich Merz, suggested he’d push through tougher migration measures even with AfD support.

www.politico.eu