AfD Tops Polls, Germany on Alert

Far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has risen to become Germany’s strongest political force, according to a Forsa poll conducted for RTL and ntv. The survey shows AfD at 26%, one point higher than last week, overtaking the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, which fell to 24%.

The Greens gained one point, reaching 13%, now level with the SPD, which remained unchanged at 13%. The Left Party dropped one point to 11%.

Support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declined, with only 29% of respondents satisfied with his performance — a three-point drop.

The poll, conducted between August 5–11 with 2,505 participants, reflects growing discontent with mainstream parties.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel reacted on X, claiming that citizens are tired of policies continued by the Christian Democrats: “Merz became unbearable in just 100 days. It’s time for an AfD government.”

🔸 In February’s federal elections, AfD won nearly 21%, its best-ever result, becoming the largest opposition party in parliament. The party is known for its hardline anti-immigration stance. Some mainstream politicians argue AfD is “extremist” and should be banned under constitutional provisions preventing a return to Germany’s Nazi past.

🔸 AfD has pledged that, if in power, it would pave the way for Germany to leave the EU and the eurozone — a so-called “Dexit,” inspired by Brexit. However, such a scenario remains unlikely, as no other major party has shown willingness to enter a coalition with AfD.

The next federal elections are scheduled for 2029.

Source: Hürriyet