But the AfD’s leader, Alice Weidel, intends to become Germany’s chancellor in the election after that, which is due 2029. In the meantime it is reshaping German politics. Ms Weidel’s charisma alone does not explain the AfD’s rise—indeed she is an uninspiring speaker.

Weidel's Alternative for Germany party has been highly scrutinized by the German intelligence service for its ties to extremists.

The vice president delivered a scolding speech advocating that Europe move over to accommodate the rising anti-migration, nationalist voices they have sought to block from power.