Recent polling indicates that two-thirds of German voters view the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a threat to democracy and the rule of law. The AfD has gained unprecedented support in eastern Germany, even as it adopts extreme positions and is classified as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency.
Despite concerns, 84% of AfD supporters express indifference to the party's extremist label, prioritizing its focus on key issues. The ARD Deutschlandtrend survey, conducted from October 7 to 9 with a sample of 1,321 eligible voters, reveals a divided opinion on whether to ban the AfD. While nearly half of respondents oppose a ban, support is stronger among the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens.
The upcoming Bundestag elections in 2025 will likely see candidates such as Friedrich Merz (CDU/CSU), Robert Habeck (Greens), Alice Weidel (AfD), and Olaf Scholz (SPD) vying for the chancellorship. Current approval ratings for Chancellor Scholz are low, with only 22% considering him a good leader, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition. If elections were held today, the coalition would lose its majority, with the FDP potentially not returning to the Bundestag.
Additionally, a recent poll shows that 78% of Germans prefer Democratic candidate Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump, with the US's reputation improving under President Biden compared to the Trump era. However, Germany's trust in the US remains mixed, with many citing unilateral actions and past military interventions as concerns.
Looking ahead, Germany and the US plan to deploy medium-range missiles in Germany by 2026, a move that divides public opinion, particularly along regional lines. Support for the deployment is higher in western Germany compared to the east.