In a move that turned heads, tech mogul Elon Musk made an unexpected appearance at the campaign kickoff for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The event, held in Halle, saw Musk address a crowd of roughly 4,500 AfD supporters via live video, drawing loud cheers. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets in cities like Berlin and Cologne to protest the party’s growing influence.

Musk, known for his outspoken views, called AfD Germany’s “best hope” in the upcoming February elections. He emphasized the importance of national pride, urging the crowd not to let multiculturalism “dilute” German identity. His comments come as AfD gains momentum, recently winning a state election—a first for a far-right party in Germany since the Nazi era. However, the party’s anti-immigrant stance has drawn sharp criticism, with all mainstream German parties refusing to collaborate with them.

The protests against AfD were massive, with an estimated 40,000 people demonstrating in Cologne and 35,000 at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Protesters carried banners, sang anti-fascist songs, and displayed illuminated letters spelling “hope and resistance.” Climate activist Luisa Neubauer warned the crowd, “Those who fuel racism and attack climate protection are endangering lives.”

Musk’s involvement in European politics has raised eyebrows. He’s been increasingly vocal, aligning with AfD leader Alice Weidel and even sparking controversies in the UK over his social media activity. Critics accuse him of trying to sway Germany’s election, but Musk remains unapologetic, framing the upcoming vote as pivotal for Europe and the world. “This election could decide the fate of Europe, maybe the world,” he told AfD supporters.

As Germany heads to snap elections in February, the stakes are high, and Musk’s endorsement has only added fuel to the fire. Whether his influence will sway voters or deepen divisions remains to be seen.