In Saxony-Anhalt, national-conservatives Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) have reached a record 41%, marking the first time the party has crossed the 40% threshold in any German state.
The results, as shown by a new Infratest dimap survey, put the AfD 15 points ahead of the CDU, which trails at 26% under state premier Sven Schulze. If replicated in the upcoming state election, the outcome could bring the AfD close to an absolute majority.
Nationally, support for the governing coalition parties continues to weaken. The Social Democrats (SPD) poll at just 7%, while the Free Democrats (FDP) would fail to enter the state parliament. Together, CDU and SPD command only 33%, well behind the AfD. The Left Party stands at 12%, while both the Greens and the BSW remain below the 5% threshold, pointing to a likely four-party parliament.
The regional surge comes as broader dissatisfaction grows across Germany. A separate Insa poll found that 59% of respondents support holding new Bundestag elections, compared to just 25% opposed. Backing for early elections spans multiple political camps, including 90% of AfD voters and a majority among SPD and Left Party supporters.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also facing mounting personal criticism. According to the same survey, 64% of respondents say criticism of his leadership is justified, while only 22% view it as excessive.
