Musk appealed to Italians and citizens of other developed countries to have more children, saying, “If we don't, the culture of Italy, Japan and France will disappear.”
advertisementAmerican billionaires at a political extravaganza organized by Italian leader Giorgia Meloni's far-right party “Brothers Italia.'' Elon Musk argues that the only way to reverse the population decline that threatens the economies of many developed countries is to have more children.
Speaking at the Artege political festival in Rome on Saturday, Mr. Musk said immigration cannot solve the demographic problems facing many major economies, including Italy and Japan.
“My advice to all government leaders and citizens is to make sure you have children to create a new generation,” he said.
“Demographics matter,” Musk said as he took to the stage with one of his 11 children, known to be from three different mothers, in his arms.
Musk called on Italians and citizens of other developed countries: “If we don't do this, the culture of Italy, Japan and France will disappear.”
“We are at risk of losing these countries,” he said.
Italy's population decline
Prime Minister Meloni has made reversing Italy's population decline one of his government's key priorities, and the 2024 budget, which is still before parliament, includes several measures to support families with children. There is.
Musk told the audience that Italy is a “great country” and a “good place to invest”, but added: “Companies that invest are asking themselves, do we have enough workers?” Ta.
“This may be a repeat, but it's a fact,” he added.
Musk said he is “very supportive of legal immigration” and that countries should welcome people who are honest and willing to work hard.
He said immigration qualifications needed further scrutiny, suggesting it would be impossible to assess who meets these characteristics without broader oversight.
“We can increase legal immigration, but we have to eliminate illegal immigration,” Musk said.
Musk claimed to be an “environmentalist” on the climate crisis, but added: “Oil and gas should not be demonized in the medium term.”
“I have the impression that in the short term we are exaggerating climate change,” he said, accusing environmentalists of causing people to lose “faith in the future.”
“We have to remain hopeful,” he added.
I was infected with the “Awakening” virus.
Asked about advertisers who have abandoned the X platform due to concerns about the rise in far-right publications, increased disinformation and outright harassment since Musk took office in October 2022, the entrepreneur said: I think it's going to work, and that's what we're doing.” Already advertisers are seeing him return to X. ”
“Advertisers are always worried about their brands… but I think it's a short-term problem,” he added, adding that some of those who left Company X are suffering from the so-called “awakening” virus. This suggests that some people may have been infected.
Meloni himself has repeatedly said he opposes “woke ideology” and came to power last year on the back of a pledge to stamp out illegal immigration.
advertisementMr. Musk also said Artificial intelligence (AI) “It seems inevitable” and advocated the establishment of a “tribunal'' and regulation. future.
“Artificial intelligence is an element that we have to be careful about. It's like a double-edged sword. Artificial intelligence will be able to do virtually everything, but it will lack a conscience,” he said. .
Musk, who also owns SpaceX and Platform Control the application of AI In the world.
“The upside is that we will never run out of goods and services again because AI and robotics will be able to do whatever we want,” he predicted, adding that one “risk” is that public opinion will He acknowledged that there was a possibility of manipulation.
Musk explained that AI will be like a “genie with a lamp” that people can ask for “anything”, but they will have to “be careful” with their wishes.
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