Right-wing populism taking hold in Germany

Angela Merkel's CDU suffered a blow last night in the German federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In the regional election held in the North Eastern state, the Chancellor's party were pushed down to third place by the right-wing populist party Alternetive für Deutschland (AfD). The AfD, surfing a wave of popularity off the back of Merkel's controversial 'welcome policy' - which led to an unprecedented number of refugees coming to Germany - the equally controversial party have managed to grab large shares of the votes in certain states.

While the largest share was given earlier this year in Saxony Anhalt - 24.3 percent - the most recent haul of 20.8 percent represents a double blow for Merkel as she herself holds a seat in the region. Although the AfD didn't win outright, that honour going to the social-democratic SPD with 30.6 percent, moving up ahead of the CDU will send a clear and alarming message to Germany's political establishment.