Europe holds its breath as world’s third largest economic power and most populous EU country faces crossroads

At a recent protest co-organised by senior activists Grannies Against the Right (Omas Gegen Rechts) in the eastern town of Teltow, 70-year-old retired history teacher Sabine Ludwig said she saw “scary” echoes of the Weimar era, a century ago.

“There won’t be endless chances for the democratic centrist parties to come together and keep the AfD out,” she said. “I hope they seize it.”