Elon Musk addresses German far-right rally via video link

US billionaire Elon Musk made a surprise virtual appearance at the campaign launch of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, as tens of thousands of people protested against the party’s growing influence.

Musk addressed approximately 4,500 AfD supporters gathered in Halle, eastern Germany, on Saturday, speaking alongside AfD leader and chancellor candidate Alice Weidel.

In his remarks, Musk called the AfD “Germany’s best hope” in the upcoming general election on February 23.

He also emphasized the importance of national identity, saying, “It’s important that people take pride in Germany and being German.”

His comments were met with cheers from the audience.

Photo:: Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD), claps as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is seen on screen/Reuters

The AfD has recently gained momentum, becoming the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since the Nazi era.

It has also performed strongly in opinion polls. However, the party has faced widespread criticism for its anti-immigrant policies, with all of Germany’s mainstream political parties pledging not to cooperate with it.

Addressing the topic of immigration, Musk urged Weidel and her supporters to preserve national pride, cautioning against “some kind of multiculturalism that dilutes everything.”

He also described the upcoming election as having far-reaching consequences, stating, “I think it could decide the entire fate of Europe, maybe the fate of the world. That is the significance of this election.”

Meanwhile, large-scale protests against the AfD took place across Germany. In Cologne, police estimated 40,000 demonstrators gathered, while in Berlin, around 35,000 people assembled near the Brandenburg Gate.

Protesters carried banners, sang anti-fascist songs, and displayed illuminated letters reading “hope and resistance.”

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer, speaking at the Berlin protest, criticized the AfD’s policies, saying, “Those who fuel racism and attack climate protection are not just campaigning, they are endangering lives.”

Musk’s involvement in the AfD’s campaign has drawn criticism from European leaders.

The German government has accused him of attempting to influence the election, while in the United Kingdom, the prime minister accused Musk of spreading misinformation after his comments sparked backlash.

Despite the scrutiny, Musk has continued to voice support for populist political movements in Europe, drawing parallels between Germany’s political climate and that of the United States.

Earlier in January, he met with Weidel to discuss Germany’s economic and political challenges. “The approaching election could have global implications,” Musk said during Saturday’s address.