In a surprising call to action, tech billionaire Elon Musk took the stage at the Arteju political festival in Rome, urging people in developed countries, including Italy, Japan, and France, to have more children in order to prevent the disappearance of their respective cultures and combat population decline. Musk, known for his role as the CEO of Tesla and his interest in space exploration through SpaceX, stressed the importance of addressing the demographic challenge faced by many major economies.

Speaking at the festival organized by Italian leader Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, Musk remarked that relying on immigration alone would not solve the underlying issue. He asserted that creating a new generation through increased birthrates is essential for sustaining these countries and ensuring a sufficient workforce for economic growth. Musk, who himself has 11 known children with three different mothers, held one of his children on stage as he emphasized the significance of demographics.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the billionaire entrepreneur cautioned that without a higher birthrate, the cultural identity and economic strength of countries like Italy, Japan, and France could be at risk. Meloni, who has prioritized reversing Italy's falling population, has already included measures in support of families with children in the 2024 budget bill currently under review by the parliament.

Musk also touched upon the topic of immigration, expressing his support for legal immigration while advocating for stricter vetting procedures to determine credibility and work ethic. He condemned illegal immigration and emphasized the need to distinguish between the two.

Beyond demographics and immigration, Musk addressed the climate crisis, describing himself as an environmentalist. However, he cautioned against demonizing oil and gas in the short term, suggesting some exaggeration surrounding climate change. He criticized environmentalists for instilling a lack of faith in the future and stressed the importance of maintaining hope.

During the event, Musk was also asked about the concerns of advertisers who left the platform X after his takeover in October 2022. He expressed confidence that X would recover, noting the return of advertisers and attributing the initial exodus to a short-term problem. He further suggested that some departures may have been influenced by a so-called "woke" ideology virus.

Additionally, Musk discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI), recognizing its inevitability and the need for regulation. He emphasized the importance of having a referee or arbiter to oversee its application globally to avoid potential manipulation of public opinion. While acknowledging the risks associated with AI, he also highlighted its potential benefits in creating a world where goods and services are abundant.

Elon Musk's message at the Arteju political festival has stirred conversation and debate around demographics, immigration, climate change, and the future impact of AI. It remains to be seen whether his call for increased birthrates will resonate with the public and policymakers in developed countries, sparking a rejuvenation of their cultural identity and economies.