German far-right AfD gains strength, pushes conservative bloc to engage

The far-right AfD party is gaining popularity, with polls showing around 20% support nationwide.
AfD advocates divisive positions like anti-immigration, leaving the EU and NATO, and defining German identity on ethnicity.
AfD leaders are urging the main conservative bloc to stop isolating them and work together.
AfD has won recent elections in eastern Germany and believes it can take on governing responsibility.
Other major German parties struggle to counter the rise of AfD, giving it room to shape discussions.