In a surprising move, Elon Musk threw his weight behind Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during their campaign rally in Halle, advocating for cultural preservation, national pride, and reduced EU interference. Addressing roughly 4,500 supporters via live video, Musk made waves by endorsing AfD co-leader Alice Weidel for Chancellor ahead of Germany’s federal elections on February 23.
“I believe it is very important that people are proud to be German,” Musk declared, urging Germans to embrace their heritage rather than adopt “a kind of multiculturalism that waters everything down.” The billionaire emphasized that nations should cherish their unique identities rather than succumb to homogenization. “We want to have unique cultures in the world… where you can go to different countries and experience different cultures,” he remarked.
Musk also touched on Germany’s historical guilt, arguing that the younger generation shouldn’t bear responsibility for the mistakes of their ancestors. “Children shouldn’t carry the blame for the sins of their parents or even their great-grandparents,” he said, calling for a forward-looking perspective.
Turning to the European Union, Musk criticized the bloc for its overreach, claiming that Brussels imposes too much bureaucracy and control. He argued for greater sovereignty among European nations, saying, “There’s too much control from the global elite. There should be more determination from individual countries.”
Musk’s public endorsement of the AfD aligns with his prior comments on X (formerly Twitter), where he labeled the party as Germany’s best hope to preserve its culture and autonomy. “I think that would be very good for Germany,” Musk said, expressing optimism for an AfD-led future and urging Germans to rally behind the populist party.
Alice Weidel, the AfD’s co-leader, has praised Musk’s support, particularly his willingness to offer her a platform outside of Germany’s mainstream media, which she says often misrepresents her views. Musk’s recent X Spaces discussion with Weidel drew heavy criticism from Germany’s political establishment, who accused him of giving the AfD undue exposure.
Musk’s outspoken backing of the AfD and his criticism of EU bureaucracy have ruffled feathers in both Berlin and Brussels, challenging the status quo and sparking fresh debate about the direction of Germany and Europe. With the AfD currently polling second ahead of the elections, Musk’s endorsement has only added fuel to the party’s growing momentum.
