Invited to a far-right political meeting in Rome, Elon Musk stated on Saturday, December 16, that advertisers were returning to X (formerly Twitter) after an exodus and estimated that Italy’s low birth rate was an obstacle to attracting investors.
The billionaire was the star guest at the Atreju political festival, organized by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Fratelli d’Italia (FDI) party, to discuss the fight against illegal immigration.
Asked about advertisers who have abandoned his platform, concerned about the rise in far-right posts, increased misinformation and harassment noted by several observers, since he bought it in October 2022, Elon Musk said: “I think “X will be fine and we are already seeing advertisers returning to X.”
“Infected by an awakened virus”
And he adds: “Advertisers always worry about their brand… But I think it is a short-term problem,” judging that some of those who had abandoned X were infected by a “woke” virus (activism that aims to promote and defend all minorities, editor’s note).
Giorgia Meloni, who also opposes “woke ideology,” came to power last year thanks, among other things, to her promise to end illegal immigration.
Elon Musk, addressing this topic, declared himself “very much in favor of legal immigration,” stating that countries should welcome anyone who is honest and willing to work hard. He acknowledged, however, that it was not possible to evaluate who met these characteristics without monitoring, and concluded: “Let’s increase legal immigration, but we must end illegal immigration.”
The passionate billionaire also warned that migration cannot replace population growth, stating that without an increase in the birth rate, “people will disappear.”
Birth rate in Italy
Elon Musk thus highlighted the low fertility rate in Italy, a great concern for Giorgia Meloni’s party, considering that it represented a risk for companies wishing to invest.
When asked if Italy was a good place to invest, he said yes, but added: “I am concerned about the low birth rate.” “If a company wants to invest in Italy, will there be enough people to work there?” she asked.
To the journalist who questioned him and told him that this would be a problem in 50 years, Elon Musk responded that it could happen “even much sooner.” “I agree, it is a good place to invest and a wonderful country. Please, let’s make more Italians, that’s what I say,” concluded the billionaire.
Source: BFM TV
