FLORENCE - Elon Musk addressed attendees at the congress of Italy's League party via video link from Washington, emphasizing several critical global issues, including trade, security, and free speech.

The event marked an important moment for League leader Matteo Salvini, who positioned Musk as a prominent guest to bolster his image within Italy's right-wing politics.

During his 15-minute virtual address, Musk responded to questions posed by Salvini, notably discussing the increasing attacks on Tesla dealerships in Europe.

He issued a stark warning, stating, "We are seeing a huge increase in attacks in Italy and Europe.

Terroristic attacks, and in the end, we will see mass killings in Europe, real massacres, because this is the trend." His remarks elicited shock from the audience, as he continued to emphasize the urgent threat posed to families and children in Europe.

Addressing concerns over trade tariffs, Musk expressed a desire for stronger ties between the United States and Europe, stating, "I hope the United States and Europe can realize and create a very close partnership.

There is already an alliance, but I hope it can be tighter, stronger." He conveyed reassurance regarding tariffs, stating, "I hope we will move towards a zero tariff situation in the future with a free trade area between Europe and North America.

This is my hope, and I also hope for greater freedom of movement between our continents."

Musk also voiced his views on the ongoing war in Ukraine, declaring, "It is time to stop.

This war machine must be stopped.

We should be concerned about who is dying in the trenches in Ukraine and Russia.

They are obligated to kill each other?

Why?

And for how much longer?

It is time to say enough." His criticism extended to the policies of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which he labeled as encouraging warfare, stating, "I have no respect for those who encourage war, for those who want the war to continue forever for their own reasons.

I think this is something truly evil."

Furthermore, Musk discussed immigration, a topic of significant concern for League supporters.

He stated, "Mass immigration fueled by the left is madness.

If we consider there are 8 billion people in the world, a small portion of these people moving can transform a 60 million-strong country into something different because a country is not its geography but its people."

The discussion on free speech, a pivotal issue for the American right, saw Salvini raise the topic of censorship.

Musk responded decisively, stating that it is clear who stands on the right side of the issue by examining who seeks to limit freedom of expression.

He drew historical parallels, claiming, "Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin had very strong censorship.

Restrictions on freedom of expression are fascist in nature.

One should win for their ideas, not because others have been suppressed." This statement resonated with attendees, who responded with applause.