How did a former banker in a same-sex relationship with a Sri-Lankan born woman become the figurehead of Germany's surging far right?

The man tipped to win Germany's election next month challenged a taboo on cooperation with the far-right on Wednesday by proposing plans to restrict migration that could only pass with the help of votes from the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

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

Musk made a virtual appearance at a campaign event for Germany’s far-right AfD party, saying “children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents.”

The billionaire was received by cheers while addressing a rally for Alternative for Germany where he told attendees they shouldn’t be ashamed of their history.

"Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great grandparents," Musk said, apparently referring to Germany's Nazi past.

Elon Musk made waves by endorsing Germanys far-right AfD (Alternative fr Deutschland) during a campaign event in Halle. Speaking via video to 4,500 attendees alongside AfD leader Alice Weidel, Musk emphasized

BERLIN — German conservatives’ determination not to play ... shows how the tectonic plates of the country’s political system are steadily shifting. Alice Weidel, chancellor candidate for the AfD, which now sits in second place in polls, was jubilant.

Musk's comments came two days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day and right after he was criticized for making what many viewers interpreted as a Nazi salute during an inauguration speech.

His comments to the hard-right Alternative for Germany party escalated efforts by the billionaire to influence the country’s election for chancellor next month.

Thousands protested against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which the Tesla CEO addressed on Saturday.

The conservatives in Germany are proposing a crackdown on migration policies - including citizenship laws - after the fatal stabbing in Aschaffenburg. But many are accusing them of cooperating with the far-right AfD.