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.

The Alternative for Germany still has pariah status among other major political parties in a country where far-right politics has long carried a stigma because of the Nazi past.

In recent years, far-right political movements have gained traction across Europe. Parties that once existed on the fringes are now entering mainstream debates and, in some cases, influencing policy.

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.

The AfD received €2.35 million from Gerhard Dingler, allegedly funnelled through him by billionaire Henning Conle, risking a €7 million fine if confirmed. View on euronews