Germany's far-right AfD gains momentum ahead of elections, inspired by Austria's Freedom Party success

Germany's far-right party, AfD, is gaining support ahead of February elections, boosted 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. AfD has named Alice Weidel as its chancellor candidate and is polling at 22%, just eight points behind the conservatives. The party is now calling for the dismantling of barriers that keep it out of government. The AfD is inspired by the FPOe's rise and is adopting more extreme positions, including calls for Germany to leave the European Union. The party's leadership believes that the political landscape is shifting in their favor.