GETTY•EPA Angela Merkel is not impressed with Trump winning

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Wolfgang Schäuble said outrage rather than the truth seemed to be more important when Donald Trump made statements during his campaign. Speaking the day after the billionaire businessman won the US Presidential election, Mr Schäuble said everybody should be wary of an increase in populist forces across Europe. He said: "Demagogic populism is not just a problem in America. "The political debates are also in a state of concern elsewhere in the West."

It is now completely irrelevant whether allegations are true - as long as the degree of outrage is right Wolfgang Schaúble

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician hit out at Mr Trump in a thinly veiled assault. He said especially on the internet, it was now "completely irrelevant whether allegations are true - as long as the degree of outrage is right". The finance minister added: "Another reason for growing populism is the elites in politics, business and society do not always leave a good impression."

Getty Finance minister Wolfgang Schaüble said people will have to learn about politics

The fact decision-making processes are often difficult to comprehend adds to a lack of understanding, he said. However, Mr Schäuble said that was no excuse. He added: "Everyone must be ready to learn. If we are open to other's perspectives and to rethinking, demagogic populism would have a hard time."

CDU vice president Hans-Peter Friedrich said he feared a "Trump effect" could also sweep across Germany. Angela Merkel's right-hand man said Mr Trump's success was born out of pure self-determination - which is increasingly taking over Europe. He said: "Many people feel heteronomous - controlled by the ECB (European Central Bank), by EU technocrats, by TTIP (the US-EU trade deal) and by the consequences of uncontrolled immigration. "If they do not receive any answers from the people's parties, they will also turn to the populist."

Getty Protests have been happening all over America after Mr Trump won the election

Getty Far-right party AfD has gained much support in Germany this year

Germany has experienced a wave of right-wing populism over the past couple of years, fuelled largely by Chancellor Merkel's open-door migrant policy which saw 1.1million migrants enter the country last year. In an attempt to quell the anger felt by many Germans over the policy, she has shut most of Germany's borders, but for many it is too late.

European leaders and politicians react to Trump’s election win Wed, November 9, 2016 After Donald Trump won the US election he made this statement “We will get along with all the nations that get along with us." we look at how Europe reacted to the shock victory of Trump Play slideshow Getty 1 of 16 After Donald Trump won the US election he made this statement “We will get along with all the nations that get along with us." we look at how Europe reacted to Trump's triumph

Right-wing populist party, Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained a large following in the past year, winning several key areas in regional elections, including Mrs Merkel's seat. The party welcomed Mr Trump's victory as it said it signalled the "disempowerment" of political elites. Leader Frauke Petry said it was an "encouraging signal for Germany".