A concerning trend is emerging in German political sentiment, as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues its ascent in voter preference. The latest “Sonntagstrend” survey, conducted by the opinion research institute INSA for “Bild am Sonntag”, indicates a significant rise for the far-right party, now registering at 27% – the highest level ever recorded in this particular poll.
This marks a continuation of the AfD’s sustained momentum, placing them consistently ahead of the traditionally dominant Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) bloc. While the CDU/CSU also experienced a slight increase, reaching 25%, the gap underscores a potential shift in the German political landscape. The implications of this dynamic are far-reaching, posing critical questions about the established order and the anxieties driving voter behavior.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains relatively stable at 14%, while the Green Party suffers a noticeable decline, dropping one percentage point to 11%. This softening of support for the Greens, traditionally strong on environmental and social policies, warrants careful analysis, potentially reflecting concerns about the government’s handling of the energy crisis or other pressing issues. The Left party maintains its support at 11%.
The relatively new party, the “Bundnis Sahra Wagenknecht” (BSW), clings to 4%, indicating a niche appeal, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) remains at 4%. The “other parties” category has also fallen, registering at 4%.
The survey, based on polling 1,200 individuals between October 13th and 17th, highlights a need for extensive political and sociological introspection. The continued rise of the AfD, coupled with shifts in support for other parties, may signal a fundamental recalibration of German political allegiances and demands an urgent examination of the factors fuelling this evolving landscape, particularly with regard to the nation’s broader societal and economic vulnerabilities.
