Germany: Far-right AfD extends its lead in nationwide polls

Over the past few months, Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained significant traction in nationwide polls. Recent poll conducted by polling firm infratest-dimap revealed that 28% of eligible voters would choose the AfD if a federal election were held, marking a record high for the party. This surge in support comes as the broader democratic parties have struggled to stop the AfD's rise in opinion polls.

The latest ARD-Deutschlandtrend survey, which polled 1,300 voters, found that 41% of voters in Saxony-Anhalt favor the AfD, potentially enabling the party to govern unilaterally if the center-left Social Democratic Party fails to secure a 5% threshold for representation. Despite this, only 27% of Germans support any form of cooperation with the AfD, while a notable 32% believe such decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Notably, support for the AfD is more pronounced in the East of Germany, with 38% of respondents willing to treat the party like any other political group, akin to the level of support for right-wing populism in the former socialist East Germany. This reflects a growing disconnection from mainstream parties, with more than half of those surveyed advocating for a fundamental change in German politics.

Trust in the political system has waned, with 43% of respondents feeling marginalized and 70% of AfD supporters feeling this way. A recent terrorist attack in Berlin, which occurred in July, has further eroded confidence, with 33% of Germans expressing concern about becoming victims of terrorism.