Tech billionaire Elon Musk has stirred controversy by speaking via video at a far-right political event in Germany.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters turned out against the AfD across Germany as the European nation prepares to head to legislative elections.

A gesture associated with the Nazis has a surprising history. But in Germany, there was little doubt about its meaning.

The world’s richest man set out on a quest to boost the European powerhouse’s far-right opposition.

Elon Musk participated via video link in the official campaign launch of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a month before national elections on February 23. Addressing the crowd ahead of lead candidate Alice Weidel's speech,

Munich's Deutsches Museum said a "prominent" position of an individual in an exhibition could be seen as "an uncritical tribute."

Musk's response to the accusations has included the complaint that the "legacy media" is trying to cancel him.

Musk addressed approximately 4,500 AfD supporters gathered in Halle, eastern Germany, on Saturday, speaking alongside AfD leader and chancellor candidate Alice Weidel. In his remarks, Musk called the AfD “Germany’s best hope” in the upcoming general election on February 23.

Elon Musk made an unexpected virtual appearance at a rally for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on Saturday (Jan 26), reaffirming his support ahead of the country's snap election on 23 February.

With four weeks to go until Germany heads to the polls for its federal election, Elon Musk has just given his third public endorsement of the country’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland

Elon Musk spoke in favour of voting for the far right party, saying: "I'm very excited for the AfD, I think you're really the best hope for Germany […] fight for a great future for Germany," he told onlookers.