This is the age of comedians in politics. Even in Germany, with its largely humourless political tradition, one of them is trying to bring a floundering major party back to life.

In recent years, satirists have reached remarkable political heights. The Five Star Movement, founded by comedian Beppe Grillo, has been part of the past two Italian governments. Volodymyr Zelensky used the popularity of his comedy show to become president of Ukraine and to consolidate the most political power of anyone who ever held the office. Jimmy Morales joked and blustered his way to the presidency of Guatemala in 2015...

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