Germany's AfD Surges to Top Spot as Most Popular Party

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has become the most popular political party in Germany, according to a poll, with 26% of Germans saying they would vote for the anti-mass immigration party. The Christian Democrats and their Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union, slid to 24% in the poll, their worst result since the 2021 federal election. Only 14% of respondents expected the economic situation to improve, while 62% anticipated a deterioration.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has surged to become the most popular political force in Germany, according to the latest polls. The Forsa Institute for Social Research and Statistical Analysis reported that 26% of Germans would vote for the anti-mass immigration party, surpassing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union (CSU), which slipped to 24% [1].

This shift in public opinion comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s performance. A staggering 67% of Germans are dissatisfied with Merz’s job after his first 100 days in office [1]. The CDU/CSU’s poor showing in the polls coincides with a significant decline in investor confidence, as indicated by the ZEW economic sentiment index. The index dropped to 34.7 in August, reflecting concerns over the EU-US trade deal and its impact on key German industries [3].

The economic downturn is further exacerbated by the EU-US trade deal, which has disappointed financial experts. The deal, signed in July, includes a 15% tariff on EU exports to the US, with steeper levies on specific goods. This has led to a significant decline in investor confidence, particularly in the chemical, pharmaceutical, mechanical engineering, and automotive sectors [3].

The AfD’s rise to prominence is part of a broader trend across Europe, where right-wing parties are gaining popularity. In the UK, the Reform UK party has also seen an increase in support, while the National Rally party in France has been gaining traction [1].

As the AfD continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how this will impact German politics and the economy. The party’s hard-right stance on immigration and Islam has sparked controversy and debate. However, the economic challenges posed by the EU-US trade deal and the broader geopolitical uncertainties may force a reassessment of the political landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-backed-populist-party-tops-polls-first-time-following-trend-other-allied-countries
[2] https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/far-right-afd-overtakes-cducsu-in-latest-german-poll-3205361
[3] https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/08/12/german-economic-sentiment-tumbles-as-euus-trade-deal-underwhelms