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Frauke Petry

Edward Stourton profiles Frauke Petry, the leader of Germany's Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party.

"Ambitious", "cold-hearted" and "calculating"; just some of the words used to describe Frauke Petry, leader of Germany's Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party. She has suggested German border police should be allowed to use firearms to deter illegal immigrants.

The populist, right-wing AfD has, under her controversial leadership, jumped from winning just a few percent of the vote at the 2013 federal elections, to more than 20 percent in some parts of Germany in last weekend's regional elections. The results surprised many.

But is her brand of politics sincere, or - as some say - pure opportunism? And how far could she take the AfD? Ed Stourton finds out.

Producer: Wesley Stephenson.

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13 minutes

Last on

Sun 20 Mar 2016 17:40

Broadcasts

  • Sat 19 Mar 2016 19:00
  • Sun 20 Mar 2016 17:40

Podcast