AfD becomes strongest in Germany for the first time; Government loses support

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has, for the first time, become the strongest political party in Germany in a public opinion survey conducted by the public broadcaster ZDF.

When asked which party they would vote for if parliamentary elections were held next week, 26% of respondents chose AfD, while the ruling Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) came in second with 25%.

The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), a junior partner in the governing coalition, recorded its lowest value since ZDF began its surveys, with only 12% of respondents supporting it. The Greens would be chosen by 14%, while The Left party would receive 11%.

Dissatisfaction with the government

A total of 65% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the government of Friedrich Merz, a worse result than in the previous survey, when a record 63% rated the government negatively. Analysts believe that the latest drop in popularity is due to the government’s poor response to rising fuel prices in Germany.

As a result of government missteps and criticism over stalled reforms since taking office less than a year ago, AfD has benefited the most, achieving record results in state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.

AfD is also leading in polls in the eastern German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt, where regional parliamentary elections will be held in September.

According to other opinion polls, AfD has not been significantly affected by numerous scandals, including accusations of corruption related to hiring friends and family members in parliaments where the party is represented.