The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) has taken the lead in national polling, outpacing all other parties as support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition slides. The latest RTL/ntv Trendbarometer puts the AfD at 26%, ahead of the governing centre-right CDU/CSU bloc on 24%—its lowest rating since April—and well clear of the Social Democrats (SPD) on 13%, tied with the Greens. The Left Party holds 11%, with all other groups in single digits.
The figures come as the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition marks 100 days in power. Far from a celebratory milestone, the government faces deepening public dissatisfaction. Approval for Merz has fallen to just 29%—the lowest since he became chancellor in May—while 67% say they are unhappy with his performance.
Economic pessimism is also at record levels: only 14% expect conditions to improve, while 62% foresee a downturn. Confidence in the coalition’s survival is fragile, with barely half of respondents believing it will last until the scheduled 2029 election.
The AfD’s continued strength reflects its appeal among disillusioned voters and growing frustration with the traditional parties. The poll by Forsa, conducted August 5–11, surveyed 2,505 people and carries a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points.
