A recent survey conducted by Infratest dimap and published by ARD’s “Deutschlandtrend” indicates a deepening sense of disappointment with mainstream German political parties, significantly bolstering support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The poll, based on responses from 1,300 eligible voters, highlights a pervasive lack of confidence in the established political landscape and reveals complex dynamics surrounding perceptions of the AfD.
The most frequently cited reason for the AfD’s rise, identified by 60% of all respondents and 39% of AfD supporters, is “disappointment with the policies of other parties”. This indicates a widespread erosion of trust in the established political order, suggesting that voter dissatisfaction isn’t solely driven by the AfD’s own platform, but also, crucially, by perceived failures of the governing coalitions. While the AfD’s own policy proposals and the manner in which mainstream politicians engage with the party are also mentioned as contributing factors, the overriding sentiment points to a broader crisis of confidence.
The survey data also paints a bleak picture of perceived leadership capabilities. Only 27% of respondents currently believe that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) – the largest opposition party – is capable of addressing the nation’s challenges, a 5% decrease from February 2025. Support for the AfD in this regard stands at 19%, a 5% increase. Further declines are observed for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party, reflecting a widespread sense of political paralysis and the inability of existing parties to effectively respond to pressing issues. Notably, 27% of respondents express the view that “no” party is currently capable of tackling the country’s problems, further underlining the pervasive discontent.
A striking revelation comes from the view amongst respondents regarding the potential to curb the AfD’s momentum. A substantial majority (69%) agrees with the statement that the AfD’s strength would diminish if the government achieved demonstrable progress on key political fronts. Even among AfD supporters, nearly half (47%) share this view, suggesting, albeit reluctantly, that improved governance could erode the party’s appeal.
The survey shed light on the impact of political rhetoric. A majority (52%) believes that labeling the AfD as “undemocratic” by politicians from other parties actually strengthens the party, a sentiment overwhelmingly endorsed by AfD supporters (77%). Similarly, 60% perceive that withholding legislation to avoid the need for AfD votes ultimately empowers the party. Even attempts to marginalize the AfD through exclusion from parliamentary leadership roles are viewed by 43% as potentially strengthening its position, while only 31% deem it weakening.
The prospect of cross-party collaboration remains deeply divisive. While 40% rule out any cooperation with the AfD under any circumstances, a notable 46% of CDU supporters favor collaboration “from case to case” with 10% actively advocating for greater engagement. This internal division within the CDU highlights a potential strategic crossroads.
Finally, the survey demonstrates diverging perspectives on media coverage. While 42% feel that the AfD receives excessive media attention, a majority of AfD supporters (53%) believe that the party is unfairly underrepresented, further fueling accusations of media bias and contributing to a ‘victim’ narrative among the party’s base.