American tech billionaire Elon Musk surprised many by addressing the campaign launch for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Saturday, as tens of thousands of people across the country protested against the rise of the controversial group,

Musk's AfD support, followed a gesture many said resembled a Nazi salute, and came as leaders are due to observe the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation.

Musk's support for AfD has helped what was once a fringe political party enter the mainstream, lifting it up in front of a global audience.