Far-right AfD Continues to Gain Support Despite Extreme Positions
In recent state elections in eastern Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved record-breaking results, even after being classified as right-wing extremist. An overwhelming 84% of AfD voters do not mind the party’s extremist label as long as it addresses their concerns, according to a recent survey.
Despite concerns from two-thirds of respondents that a strong AfD poses a threat to democracy, opinions vary on how to handle the party. A motion to ban the AfD has divided Bundestag lawmakers, with support predominantly coming from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Greens.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Bundestag election, no candidate has garnered significant approval ratings among voters. Chancellor Scholz leads with 22% approval, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current ruling coalition government.
US Election Views and Germany’s International Partners
German voters overwhelmingly favor Vice-President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential election. France remains a more trusted ally than the US, while Russia’s image is tarnished among Germans.
Opinions on the deployment of new US missiles in Germany are split, with eastern German voters showing more opposition. Party supporters differ in their stance, with CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens mostly supporting the move while AfD and BSW voters are against it.