AfD Leads German Polls at 26%, Extends 2% Lead Over CDU/CSU; Holds 39.5% in East Germany Amid Merz Low Trust
Recent polling data from multiple sources including Forsa and YouGov indicate that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has emerged as the leading political force in Germany, securing 26% of voter support. This marks a slight increase and a two-percentage-point lead over the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), which stands at 24-26%. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) trails at 14%, followed by the Greens at 12% and The Left at 10%. Notably, in eastern Germany, the AfD's support is even stronger, with polls showing 39.5%, and experts suggesting the possibility of absolute majorities in that region. The rise of the AfD occurs amid declining support for the CDU/CSU and SPD, with CDU leader Friedrich Merz reportedly facing low trust from nearly two-thirds of citizens. The AfD's growth is described as a reflection of a fundamental political crisis in Germany. Meanwhile, other European countries such as Italy, Turkey, Poland, and Estonia also show varied political polling trends, but the focus remains on the AfD's ascendancy in Germany. The AfD's rise has sparked discussions about its implications for German politics and society.