Elon Musk surprised people on Saturday by showing up at a rally for Germany’s Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party. He repeated his support for the far-right group, calling it Germany’s “best hope.” This comes after Musk faced criticism for possibly making a Nazi salute at an event earlier in the week.

Musk appeared at the rally in Halle, Germany, through a video link. He told AfD’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, and her supporters not to lose their national pride. He said it was good to be proud of German culture and values and not let multiculturalism weaken them.

Musk also said he hoped Weidel would become Germany’s next chancellor after elections on February 23. He complained about “too much bureaucracy” from the European Union.

Musk seemed to mention Germany’s Nazi history, saying there is too much focus on past guilt. He added that children should not feel responsible for the mistakes of their parents or great-grandparents.

Weidel praised Musk for his support and said she wanted to “Make Germany great again,” similar to Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.

Important Quote

Musk told the crowd of about 4,500 people, “The future of civilization could depend on this election,” and added, “I’m really excited about the AfD. I think you’re the best hope for the future of Germany.”

Key Background

Musk has supported Germany’s Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party and has been defending their leader, Weidel, for weeks. In December, he wrote an article in Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper, rejecting the idea that the AfD is a “right-wing extremist” group. He pointed out that Weidel is gay, asking, “Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Musk also criticized Germany for being “comfortable with mediocrity” and said the AfD could “save Germany from becoming a shadow of its former self.” Weidel spoke with Musk on a livestream earlier this month, where Musk praised her and supported her anti-immigration views. The AfD is currently behind the Christian Democratic Union and its sister party, the Christian Social Union, in polls for Germany’s upcoming federal election in February.

Side Note

Musk has faced criticism over a gesture he made at a Trump inauguration event, which some thought looked like the “Sieg Heil” salute, used in Nazi Germany and now illegal in Germany and Austria. The Anti-Defamation League initially defended Musk, saying it was an “awkward gesture” in an enthusiastic moment and suggested “all sides” be more understanding. However, they seemed to withdraw their support after Musk posted jokes about Nazi leaders like Rudolf Hess, Joseph Goebbels, Hermann Göring, and Heinrich Himmler, while others reminded him that “the Holocaust is not a joke.”

Published: 27th January 2025

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