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.

Party officials feel they can secure a blocking minority in the next Bundestag, the point when Weidel will become Germany’s most uncomfortable and unavoidable politician

The billionaire entrepreneur, who previously backed Donald Trump with a $250 million investment, hosted Weidel in a live conversation on X this January.