AfD extends lead over Union in new German poll

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has widened its lead over the main center-right Union bloc in the latest ARD-Deutschlandtrend poll. The AfD garnered 28% support, a one-point increase from early July, while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) together fell to 21%, their weakest showing since November 2021.

Support for other parties remained largely unchanged. The Greens hold third place with 15%, followed by the Social Democrats (SPD) at 12% and the Left Party at 11%. Parties like the Free Democrats (FDP) and the new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) remain below the 5% threshold for parliamentary representation.

Public opinion on potential cooperation with the AfD is split. While 37% of respondents fundamentally reject any collaboration, 32% believe decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. A further 27% expressed openness to working with the party, primarily AfD supporters.

Satisfaction with the federal government's performance remains low, with only 13% viewing it positively, while 85% expressed dissatisfaction. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) also faces low approval, with 14% satisfied and 84% dissatisfied. A recent cabinet reshuffle has also failed to inspire optimism, with a majority believing government performance will not improve.