Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent figure in Germany's hard-left politics, plans to start a new political party that represents the frustrations of the German electorate with mainstream politics.
Polls suggest that her party could become a significant political force, potentially peeling away support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Wagenknecht has drifted right on social issues, accusing the government of catering to urban elites and pushing through eco-activism.