AfD leads polls as Germany's political crisis deepens

Germany's far-right AfD surges ahead as governing coalition falters

Germany’s political landscape is shifting as the far-right AfD gains ground in the polls. With 28 percent support, the party now leads the conservative Union bloc by five points. Meanwhile, frustration grows among business leaders and voters as the governing coalition struggles with plummeting approval ratings. The governing parties face mounting discontent. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s approval has hit a record low, while both coalition partners continue to lose support. At a recent Berlin Chamber of Commerce event, entrepreneurs openly criticised government officials, reflecting wider dissatisfaction.

Within the opposition, CDU leader Friedrich Merz faces internal resistance. His proposal for a €1,000 tax-free bonus was rejected by regional leaders in the Bundesrat. When pressed, Merz admitted he had 'no mandate to destroy the CDU', signalling caution amid party divisions. Speculation about a minority government has emerged. CSU figure Peter Gauweiler suggested Merz could lead one, but the CDU has ruled out backing such a move. A minority chancellor would only be removable through a constructive no-confidence vote, requiring broad opposition cooperation. The AfD’s rising influence is prompting strategic debates. Some conservatives now consider dialogue or limited cooperation with the party. A potential policy shift could unfold as early as autumn in Saxony-Anhalt or Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where regional elections may test new alliances.

The AfD’s poll lead and the government’s unpopularity are reshaping German politics. Business leaders and voters are increasingly vocal in their criticism. Any shift in strategy toward the AfD will likely face resistance, but regional elections later this year could force a reckoning for the CDU and its allies.