Germany's Spiegel and Austria's Standard reported on Wednesday that the Austrian domestic intelligence service and federal criminal investigation bureau were investigating suspected money-laundering over a 2.6 million euro payment made to Dingler shortly before his donation.

A controversial donation to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has triggered an investigation by Austrian authorities. The €2.35 million contribution, made in early February, played a significant role in AfD’s campaign ahead of Germany’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

On a wet evening in Suhl, in the former East Germany, a smattering of youthful faces were among hundreds lining up to hear from an unlikely idol - Björn Höcke, one of the most controversial figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Germany's Ruhr area used to be a Social Democrat stronghold, but the populist AfD has risen to popularity amid the region's economic decline. In one city — Gelsenkirchen — individuals are resisting the trend.