East Germans more open to AfD government participation than West Germans, poll finds

A recent YouGov survey reveals a significant divide in attitudes towards the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's potential involvement in regional governments, particularly in the eastern states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The poll, commissioned by the German Press Agency, found that 47% of East Germans would support the AfD participating in a state government if it emerged as the strongest party in the upcoming September state elections, provided it doesn't secure an absolute majority. In contrast, only 37% of West Germans expressed similar support.

When presented with a scenario where all other parties form a coalition government excluding the AfD, 29% of East Germans favored this option, compared to 36% in West Germany. Neuwahlen (new elections) were seen as the preferred solution by 11% of East Germans and 12% of West Germans.

Public opinion also diverges on the impact of AfD participation on democracy. In East Germany, 38% expect it to strengthen democracy, while 34% anticipate a weakening. West Germans hold the opposite view, with 30% expecting a strengthening and 47% anticipating a weakening. The idea of an AfD-led "expert government" with shifting majorities, promoted by the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht, garners more support in the East (44%) than in the West (39%).