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AfD Gains Ground in Eastern Germany as Merz Faces Growing Pressure

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Germany’s far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is gaining strong support in eastern Germany as Chancellor Friedrich Merz struggles with falling approval ratings and economic concerns. In Saxony-Anhalt, AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund believes the party could secure its first state premiership in the September elections. The AfD has been attracting voters through local “citizen dialogues,” with many supporters expressing frustration over rising living costs, immigration, and dissatisfaction with the current government.

Despite economic investments and development projects in towns like Halberstadt, concerns over inflation, energy prices, and Germany’s slowing economy continue to fuel public anxiety. Recent polls show the AfD reaching up to 41% support in Saxony-Anhalt and 29% nationally, ahead of Merz’s conservatives. The party argues that Germany’s identity is under threat from mass immigration and progressive social policies, while mainstream parties continue to reject any cooperation with the AfD under the country’s political “firewall” strategy.

The possibility of an AfD-led state government has sparked concern among officials and political rivals, especially given the party’s classification as “far-right extremist” by regional security authorities. Critics warn that handing the AfD control of state institutions could have major consequences for German politics. However, many voters at recent rallies said they are willing to give the party a chance, believing traditional parties have failed to address economic struggles and public concerns.

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AfD Hits Record 28% in Germany, Expands Lead in Latest Poll

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record 28% in the latest INSA opinion poll, marking its highest level to date. The party gained one percentage point from the previous week, further strengthening its position as the leading political force in the survey.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, remained steady at 24%, trailing the AfD by four points. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party held at 14%, the Alliance 90/The Greens slipped to 12%, and The Left stayed at 11%.

The poll also highlighted challenges in forming a government, as around 11% of votes went to smaller parties unlikely to enter parliament. With most parties ruling out cooperation with AfD, potential governing coalitions would likely require three-party alliances. Combinations such as CDU, SPD, and Greens could secure a majority, according to the survey conducted among 1,203 respondents between April 20 and April 24.

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German Family-Business Group Eases Ban on AfD Contacts

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Germany’s association of family-owned companies has lifted its ban on engaging with lawmakers from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), reflecting the party’s rising acceptance in sections of the business sector as it gains strength in national polls. Just two years ago, leading industry figures warned that right-wing extremism posed a threat to Germany’s global reputation and ability to attract investment and skilled labour.

The shift comes as the AfD has surged to first place in multiple nationwide surveys after coming second in February’s federal election. Association president Marie-Christine Ostermann said that political indignation alone is no longer effective and argued that addressing the AfD’s positions directly is more productive. While she maintained that the organisation rejects the AfD’s ideology and opposes the party’s participation in government, she stressed the need for dialogue given its support from around 25% of voters.

The association is among the first major business groups to advocate for more engagement with the AfD, though others remain firmly resistant. The BDI industry association said it does not seek contact with radical parties, warning that the AfD’s populist agenda risks undermining the stable economic environment on which Germany’s industry relies.

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