German far-right party gains momentum ahead of elections inspired by Austria's Freedom Party
Germany's far-right party, AfD, is gaining momentum ahead of February elections, inspired by the success of Austria's Freedom Party (FPOe). The FPOe is negotiating to form a government after winning 29% of the vote in September. The AfD recently named Alice Weidel as its chancellor candidate and is polling at 22%, closing the gap with the conservative party. The AfD is pushing to dismantle barriers that keep it out of government. The AfD is adopting more extreme positions, including calls for Germany to leave the European Union and for the "remigration" of foreigners. The party is closely watching the FPOe's negotiations, hoping for a similar rise in influence.