Sahra Wagenknecht, one of Germany's most divisive political figures, is soaring in the polls ahead of state elections, even though she is not on the ballot. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) — the party she founded in January by the former Left Party lawmaker — is currently polling well ahead of the parties that make up Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government, namely the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP).

Espousing an unusual mix of left-wing economic policy and anti-migration rhetoric, the BSW is likely to play a part in government building in the states of Thuringia and Saxony after they go to the polls on September 1.

In both states, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in the polls at over 30%, and all the established parties want to make sure it stays out of government.

The emergence of the BSW underlines the disruption in eastern German politics that has taken place over the last decade. Disruption is also a good way to describe the BSW's influence on German politics.

In July, Wagenknecht described her own party's position in these terms to Geramyn's daily taz newspaper: "I believe that we simply represent and embody what many parties no longer stand for: enlightened conservatism in the sense of preserving traditions, security — on the streets and in public places, but also jobs, healthcare and pensions. The need for security, peace and justice has found a new political home with us."

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The party presented a manifesto that political analysts say has not existed in Germany in quite this way before.

"The BSW program is aimed at people who on the one........

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