Musk Makes Surprise Appearance at German Right-Wing Party’s Campaign Launch
American tech billionaire Elon Musk surprised attendees at the campaign launch for Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, where thousands of people gathered to protest the rise of the far-right party. Speaking via live video, Musk reiterated his support for AfD as Germany’s "best hope" in the upcoming general election on February 23.
At the event, held in the eastern German city of Halle, Musk voiced his opposition to immigration, urging AfD supporters not to lose their national pride in "some kind of multiculturalism that dilutes everything." This stance was met with huge cheers from the roughly 4,500 AfD supporters in attendance.
In contrast, tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets in Berlin and other cities to protest against AfD’s growing popularity. In Cologne, an estimated 40,000 people demonstrated, while in Berlin, around 35,000 protesters gathered at the Brandenburg Gate.
Musk’s involvement with AfD has drawn criticism from government leaders, who have accused him of trying to influence Germany’s election. This is not the first time Musk has been involved in European politics, having previously supported populist movements and drawn parallels between the political climates in Germany and the United States.
"I think it could decide the entire fate of Europe, maybe the fate of the world," Musk told AfD supporters. "That is the significance of this election."
