A new influential player in German politics: Who is the BSW Alliance?

The BSW Alliance made spectacular inroads in the regional elections in Germany. The party, formed less than eight months ago came third in Thuringia in east Germany with nearly 16% of the vote and is poised to receive more than 10% in the neighbouring Saxony state. The party was launched last January and is headed by Sahra Wagenknecht, formerly of the left-wing Die Linke. But who is she and what is her party, that has become an influential player in German politics?