Despite a marginal decline, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) continues to hold the position of largest political force in German public opinion, according to the latest “Sonntagstrend” poll conducted by Insa and published by Bild am Sonntag. The survey, based on interviews with 1,205 individuals between October 20th and 24th, reveals the AfD currently commands 26% of voter preference, a decrease of one percentage point.
This persistent strength for the AfD, even with a slight dip, underscores the ongoing anxieties and frustrations within the electorate, particularly concerning issues of immigration and economic stability that the party consistently exploits. The findings present a significant challenge to mainstream political establishments and highlight the difficulty in dislodging the AfD from its position within the German political landscape.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) alliance also experienced a loss of support, falling to 24% – mirroring a sense of waning confidence in established conservative policies. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), currently the leading party in the ruling coalition, saw a slight recovery, gaining one percentage point to reach 15%. However, this modest increase is unlikely to significantly alter the fragility of the governing alliance.
The Green Party and Die Linke remain steady at 11% respectively, while the recently formed BSW and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) hold firm at 4% each. Smaller parties collectively account for 5% of the vote, a slight upward trend.
Critically, the poll reveals a deepening dissatisfaction with the performance of the current federal government. Interviews conducted with 1,003 individuals between October 23rd and 24th indicated that 66% now express a negative assessment of the government’s work-a three percentage point increase from a previous survey conducted on October 10th. Only 25% of those polled expressed satisfaction, a further decline reflecting mounting concerns over economic pressures and perceived policy failings.
Perhaps most strikingly, a considerable 49% of respondents anticipate the current coalition government will not complete its full four-year term, extending to 2029. Only 32% believe the alliance will endure until then. This heightened level of skepticism points to a precarious political climate and raises serious questions about the long-term viability of the ruling coalition and the potential for significant political upheaval in the coming years. The AfD’s continued strength, the declining approval of the government and the widely held belief in its early demise clearly paint a picture of profound political uncertainty in Germany.