Elon Musk has come under fire for his appearance at an Alternative for Germany (AfD) rally, where called on the crowd to “leave behind” the “guilt of the past”.
In a bold move, the tech billionaire addressed the far-right supporters on Saturday, advocating for a future free from the shadows of Germany’s Nazi past.
He said: “To be honest, the focus is too much on the guilt of the past and we have to leave that behind us. Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents.
“It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything.”
The event, which attracted about 4,500 attendees, saw Mr Musk’s comments being met with applause. But they have drawn criticism as they came just before the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed concern, saying: “The words we heard from the main actors of the AfD rally about ‘Great Germany’ and ‘the need to forget German guilt for Nazi crimes’ sounded all too familiar and ominous.
“Especially only hours before the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.”
Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, added: “Contrary to Elon Musk’s advice, the remembrance and acknowledgement of the dark past of the country and its people should be central in shaping the German society.
“Failing to do so is an insult to the victims of Nazism and a clear danger to the democratic future of Germany.”
Steffen Seibert, Germany’s ambassador to Israel, remarked that Mr Musk “doesn’t seem to know” much about Germany’s history.
He said: “Nobody makes children feel guilty for Nazi crimes. We want them to grow up informed and responsible and to apply the lessons of Germany’s past.”
Speaking virtually at the Halle gathering, Mr Musk shared the stage with AfD leader Alice Weidel, as the party is seeing a surge in popularity ahead of the February 23 general election.
Ms Weidel reiterated this stance as she called to “make Germany great again”, borrowing US President Donald Trump’s famous catchphrase.
The AfD has experienced a surge in support ahead of the election, campaigning on an anti-immigrant and anti-EU agenda.
However, Germany’s mainstream parties have consistently refused to form alliances with AfD, meaning their chances of governing are unlikely.
