Far-right party, AfD, scores highest in Forsa survey
In a significant development in German politics, the latest poll results indicate a notable change in Berlin's political landscape. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining momentum, while the Union (CDU/CSU) is experiencing a decline.
AfD on the Rise in Berlin
The AfD, which secured about 10.4 percentage points less in the 2021 federal election compared to its 20.8% result in 2025, has now surpassed or matched the Union's support for the first time. In the April 2025 poll, the AfD stands at around 25%, up from 22%, while the Union's support has fallen from 29% to 24% nationally.
This trend is not unique to Berlin. In eastern states and strongholds, the AfD has been gaining ground, breaking historical barriers and signalling growing support across regions. This growth is likely influencing Berlin's polls.
Union Faces Challenges
The Union, traditionally the top center-right bloc, has seen its federal election result decrease by about 5 percentage points from 29% previously to around 24% in 2025 polls. Despite remaining the largest party overall, they now face a significant challenge from the AfD, including in Berlin, as polling shows eroding support compared to 2021.
Comparison to 2021 Federal Election
The AfD has made a substantial improvement from its 2021 performance, gaining about 10 percentage points to reach around 20.8% vote share in 2025. On the other hand, the Union has seen a decrease in support, going from 29% towards mid-2020s polling down to around 24%. This shift is reflected in Berlin's current polling trends, mirroring national and regional patterns of AfD gains and Union losses.
Other Parties' Performance
The Green party's position in the poll remains consistent with its performance in the 2021 federal election. Meanwhile, the FDP has remained steady at 12%, and the SPD has seen a slight increase, now at 15%.
The Poll
The poll, conducted by the Forsa institute for RTL and ntv broadcasters, indicates a continued lead for the AfD, with a score of 26%. This is the highest result the AfD has achieved to date, and it marks the Union's worst result since the 2021 federal election.
In summary, the AfD is polling stronger in Berlin than in the 2021 federal election, approaching or at parity with the Union, which has lost support since then. This represents a notable change in Berlin's political landscape reflecting broader trends in German politics in 2025.
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- The AfD's surge in polls indicates a significant change in German policy-and-legislation and politics, as the party is now challenging the Union's dominance in Berlin, signifying a possible shift in the political landscape.
- The general-news of the Union's declining support in Berlin is echoed across the nation, with the AfD gaining ground in eastern states and strongholds, potentially influencing policy-and-legislation and the overall political climate of Germany.
