German elections

Germany election date set for 24 September as Angela Merkel battles for fourth term amid far-right rise

Germany has set a date for its federal election as Angela Merkel seeks a fourth term in office amid a surge by populist groups.

The country will go to the polls on 24 September after a tumultuous four years since the last vote in 2013.

Anti-immigration groups have enjoyed rocketing support, fuelled by concerns over the refugee crisis, terror attacks and mass sexual assaults, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party expected to enter the national parliament (Bundestag) for the first time.