Hermann Binkert, the head of the opinion research institute Insa, believes that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has not yet fully tapped into its voter potential. According to Binkert, the additional potential for the AfD is seven percentage points, meaning that they could potentially win up to 32 percent of voters.
In recent polls conducted over the past two months since the last Bundestagswahl (2019 federal elections), the AfD has increased its share of votes from 20.8 percent to 25 percent, bringing it on par with the CDU/CSU. Some polls even show the AfD leading the Union.
The increasing support for the AfD, according to Insa’s head Binkert, is due to the party’s stance as the opposition leader in the new Bundestag, advocating for a restrictive migration policy that is desired by the majority. Additionally, the party may benefit from the power struggles within the party of former Left Party politician Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). Binkert stated, “There are large overlapping voter groups between both parties.”
To counter further growth of the AfD, Binkert recommends a more citizen-focused government policy. “If the government solves problems and convinces the citizens, the opposition will have a hard time.