Motorists have been told to boycott Tesla by the Polish sports minister in response to CEO Elon Musk's comments at a far-right German political rally that Germans should move beyond their "past guilt" over Nazi atrocities.
Sławomir Nitras said "no normal Pole should buy a Tesla any more" following Musk's controversial appearance at an Alternative for Germany (AfD) campaign event.
The Tesla chief executive's remarks, delivered via video link on Saturday, came just days before the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.
At the AfD rally, Musk argued that Germany "focuses too much on past guilt" and needed to move beyond it.
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"Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents or even their great-grandparents," Musk told the crowd. He added that it was acceptable to "take pride" in German heritage.
His virtual appearance supported AfD candidate Alice Weidel ahead of Germany's February 23 elections, where polls show the far-right party currently in second place.
The comments included criticism of European "multiculturalism" and drew a rebuke from German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz, who accused Musk of supporting the "extreme Right".
Minister Nitras emphasised the need for "a serious and strong response" to Musk's statements, including a consumer boycott.
Speaking to Tok FM Radio, he said: "This 'Hydras' head may grow back. And, particularly on a day like today, on the anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation, we must remember and loudly speak the truth.
"Maybe Mr Musk with his billions doesn't feel threatened. But every normal person living in the centre of Europe, who remembers what happened 80 years ago, cannot look on indifferently."
The minister also suggested Musk's interference in German politics might backfire, saying "no one appreciates meddling in their internal affairs," the Police Press Agency reported.
Poland was the first country invaded by Nazi Germany in 1939, losing approximately six million people during World War II.
Half of those killed were Jews, many of whom perished in Nazi concentration camps established on Polish territory.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Musk's remarks as "sinister", particularly noting their timing just hours before the Auschwitz liberation anniversary.
Dani Dayan, chairman of the World Holocaust Memorial Centre, responded that failing to remember the Holocaust was an "insult to the victims of Nazism".
It also comes after many accused the billionaire of doing a Nazi salute following President Trump's inauguration, although he dismissed the gesture as being a "Roman salute".
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