Germany is currently witnessing a dramatic shift in its political landscape, with the far-right AfD party making a significant surge in support just days before the crucial election on Sunday.

This change could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) rise to become the main opposition in the country’s next parliament.

Polls Indicate a Shift in Support

A recent poll conducted by German broadcaster ZDF revealed a key shift, with the AfD gaining one percentage point to 21%, pushing them closer to the top.

The poll showed the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 16% and the Greens holding steady at 14%.

Meanwhile, the CDU/CSU, despite maintaining their lead, slipped by two percentage points to 28%.

Stefan Leifert, an election expert from ZDF, mentioned that the polling results indicate a significant shift in many areas, adding to the growing prominence of the AfD.

For the first time, the AfD is moving beyond the fringes of German politics and into the mainstream, reflecting a growing sense of discontent among voters.

AfD’s Rise and its Impact on German Politics

The far-right party, once a group of economists opposing eurozone bailouts, has evolved over the years into a hardline nationalist movement fueled by anti-immigration sentiments.

Today, they are gaining serious traction, especially with high-profile endorsements from figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Their rise is also fueled by the nation’s struggles with immigration policies, especially after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision in 2015 to accept over a million refugees.

While many of these refugees have integrated, the AfD has capitalized on the dissatisfaction over the resources needed to accommodate them.

Alice Weidel, the AfD’s first-ever chancellor candidate, has strongly criticized the government for failing to maintain law and order in the face of increasing immigration.

AfD and the Broader Political Conversation

Despite being under surveillance for suspected extremism, the AfD has dominated the political conversation, forcing even left-wing parties to adopt its rhetoric on immigration and crime.

This shift in focus has meant that crucial issues like the economy, climate change, and European security threats have taken a back seat.

Weidel’s statements during the campaign, denying any connections to Nazi ideology, have resonated with a growing number of supporters who feel marginalized by the mainstream political elite.

Yet, terms like “remigration” – a euphemism for mass deportations – are becoming more commonplace within the party.

Germany’s Political Landscape Post-Election

As Germany’s 2025 election approaches, with conservative leader Friedrich Merz likely to be the next chancellor, the rise of the AfD is making it increasingly difficult for mainstream parties to unite on key issues, especially in areas like immigration and border control.

Merz’s controversial acceptance of AfD support for tougher border policies has been seen by many as a breach of the traditional political firewall that has long kept extremist parties out of power.

The growing influence of the AfD poses a significant challenge to the country’s postwar identity, which was founded on rejecting extremist ideologies.

Experts are now questioning how far to the right Germany will shift as the country grapples with its economic and social challenges.

With mainstream parties failing to regain the trust of voters, many analysts are wondering whether the AfD will continue to strengthen its grip on power in the coming years.

The Question of Germany’s Future

As Germany’s political landscape continues to evolve, the growing support for the AfD marks a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

Whether the mainstream parties can address the deepening economic and social divisions or whether the AfD will become an even stronger force remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: Germany’s political identity is at a crossroads, and the 2025 election will be a defining moment for the future of the country.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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