Far-right party AfD achieves record ratings in Forsa survey - Union party experiences historical low point
In a striking shift in Germany's political landscape, the latest Forsa poll from August 2022 reveals the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the most popular party, securing 26% support[1][3][5]. This marks the widest lead for the AfD over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) since the February 2025 election, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party standing at 24%.
The AfD's rise mirrors broader populist and right-wing trends across Europe, echoing similar shifts in France, Austria, and other countries[1][3]. This surge is largely driven by public discontent over issues such as migration, economic uncertainty, and perceived ineffective governance under Merz, who has seen his approval ratings plummet to 67% unhappy with his performance after 100 days in office[3][5].
The AfD, initially a Eurosceptic and economically conservative party, has broadened its appeal by adopting nationalist, anti-immigration, and law-and-order policies[5]. This polling outcome is likely to influence Germany's political discourse and coalition dynamics ahead of the 2029 federal elections, though the AfD is not expected to govern alone[5].
The economic mood in Germany continues to deteriorate, with only 14% expecting an improvement. Among the major parties, the SPD remains at 13%, while the Union party has lost a point and stands at 24%. The Union party still leads in terms of political competence, but has seen a decline in support, at 19%. The FDP party remains at 3%, and the BSW party remains at 4%.
A narrow majority (52%) expect the grand coalition to last until 2029. However, 43% expect the grand coalition to end prematurely. Among party supporters, dissatisfaction is high: 60% of SPD supporters express dissatisfaction, as do 77% of Green supporters. Similarly, 89% of Left supporters and 95% of AfD supporters express dissatisfaction.
Interestingly, only among CDU/CSU supporters does a majority (72%) support the chancellor. The proportion of non-voters and undecideds has risen to 25%. The Greens have gained a point and also stand at 13%.
This polling data, collected from August 5 to 11, 2022, based on 2,505 respondents, paints a picture of a divided Germany, with the far-right AfD challenging the dominance of the CDU under Friedrich Merz. The summer of 2024 saw 60% of respondents believing the traffic light coalition would hold, despite a political downward spiral. However, the current data suggests a shift in public sentiment, with a significant rightward shift in the political landscape.
[1]: Source 1 [3]: Source 3 [5]: Source 5
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