American tech billionaire Elon Musk made a surprise address at the campaign launch for Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as thousands of people gathered across the country to protest the rise of the far-right party.

Germany is witnessing an election campaign like none before it. With rare bouts of mud-slinging, a resurgent far right eyeing unprecedented gains, and war raging on the EU's doorstep - all set against the uncertain backdrop of a second Trump presidency - a nervous atmosphere permeates Europe's largest economy,

Tens of thousands of Germans protested in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party.