Overview
- The latest ARD/Infratest dimap survey places the AfD at 26 percent nationally with a 28 percent voter potential, indicating limited headroom at current levels.
- A majority of respondents cite disappointment with other parties as the main reason for AfD gains, while AfD backers report high worries about Germany’s economy (94 percent), retirement security (75 percent) and safety in public (79 percent).
- A leadership rift has broken open over Russia trips: Alice Weidel criticized planned visits to Sotschi, Tino Chrupalla defended them, a meeting with Dmitri Medvedev was canceled, one lawmaker withdrew, and the co-chairs issued a terse unity statement.
- At the Junge Union’s Deutschlandtag, the party youth warned it could block the government’s pension package, arguing roughly €120 billion in extra costs breach the coalition deal and highlighting the chancellor’s narrow 12-seat majority.
- Berlin’s SPD moves to nominate Steffen Krach as its 2026 lead candidate as the party lags in local polling, seeking a reset ahead of the next Abgeordnetenhaus election.