Germany’s far right under pressure as nepotism allegations mount

(Nette Nöstlinger – Politico) The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is facing allegations of systemic nepotism that threaten to shatter its self-styled anti-establishment image ahead of a series of key elections. The AfD has risen to become the country’s largest opposition force in no small part by casting itself as a populist alternative to what it depicts as the self-serving, underhanded Altparteien, or “old parties” — the mainstream groups that have long governed. But now, in a crowded year of elections — what Germans are dubbing a Superwahljahr, or “super election year” — that includes five state races and numerous local contests seen as key tests of the national mood, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s governing conservatives, who are currently tied for first place with the AfD in national polls, are attacking the far-right party as hypocritical. – Germany’s far right under pressure as nepotism allegations mount – POLITICO