According to a survey conducted by the Institute for Demoscopy Allensbach on behalf of the FAZ, 73 percent of AfD supporters believe that the current political system is merely a façade of democracy that grants citizens no real influence. This group’s skepticism contrasts sharply with the general population, where two-thirds view democracy as the best form of governance.
Despite being a minority in the general public, 69 percent of AfD sympathizers are fundamentally dissatisfied with the democratic basic order. This dissatisfaction is not limited to excessive criticism; AfD supporters also show a low willingness to accept any changes that would benefit the current social order.
The conviction that the political system must undergo fundamental change is notably strong in East Germany, poorer social strata, and particularly among AfD followers. A staggering 83 percent of AfD followers adhere to this position, while it remains a minority view among supporters of all other parties represented in the Bundestag.
Trust in politics is extremely low. Only seven percent of respondents currently express great confidence that politics makes the right decisions and successfully addresses challenges. Another 53 percent report only limited trust, meaning one in three people expresses distrust in politics. This figure has risen since five years ago when it stood at 17 percent, increasing to 28 percent during the tenure of the current coalition government.
Overall, the current crises and challenges are severely affecting the population. In the survey, which took place from September 4th to 16th, every second person reported feeling strongly burdened by political, social, and economic developments, while only six percent felt largely unaffected. Worry is especially intense among lower social strata, with 48 percent reporting increased anxieties about the future in these groups, compared to only 22 percent in higher strata.
The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews from September 4 to 16, 2026, and involved 1,051 participants.
