Germany’s political landscape continues to undergo a dramatic and increasingly undeniable transformation, as a new YouGov poll places the right-wing, anti-globalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) firmly at the top of national support.
With 27 percent of the German electorate backing them, the AfD now clearly leads the political field, surpassing the once-dominant Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian counterpart, the CSU.
The numbers mark more than a statistical shift—they signal a deep and growing revolt among German voters against what they view as an entrenched, out-of-touch political establishment that’s hostile to their interests. The CDU/CSU bloc has fallen to just 23 percent, its lowest level in this poll series since 2021, while the Social Democratic Party languishes at 13 percent.
Meanwhile, smaller left-globalist parties such as the Alliance 90/The Greens and The Left have made only marginal gains, reaching 14 and 10 percent respectively. These incremental shifts, however, do little to mask the broader collapse of trust in Germany’s ruling class.
At the center of this political earthquake stands Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, who wasted no time highlighting the significance of the results. Reacting to the poll, she declared: “4 percentage points ahead of the Union… We no longer have time for undemocratic firewalls. The political turnaround must happen now.”
4 Prozentpunkte Abstand zur Union, 4 von 5 Bürgern unzufrieden mit Merz: Wir haben keine Zeit mehr für undemokratische Brandmauern. Die politische Wende muß jetzt erfolgen. pic.twitter.com/rWe3sm04RU
— Alice Weidel (@Alice_Weidel) April 15, 2026
Her reference to “firewalls” strikes at one of the most controversial features of modern German politics—the refusal of establishment parties to cooperate in any way with the AfD, regardless of electoral outcomes. This strategy is increasingly seen as a mechanism to sideline the voters rather than protect democracy.
The rise of the AfD is occurring alongside an unprecedented collapse in public confidence in the federal government led by Friedrich Merz. According to the same YouGov survey, a shocking 79 percent of Germans now express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
This figure represents a dramatic increase from just 55 percent less than a year ago, underscoring the speed at which public sentiment is deteriorating. The trend suggests not a temporary fluctuation, but a systemic rejection of the current political order.
Perhaps most alarming for the governing coalition is the erosion of support within its own base. Among CDU voters, satisfaction with the government has plunged from 48 percent in March to just 34 percent in April, indicating a growing fracture within establishment ranks.
This internal discontent reflects broader frustrations over economic stagnation, migration pressures, and what many voters perceive as a political elite increasingly disconnected from everyday realities. The ruling coalition’s inability—or unwillingness—to address these concerns has fueled the AfD’s ascent.
While legacy media and political elites continue to label the AfD as “far-right,” the party’s growing support suggests that such characterizations are losing their effectiveness. For millions of Germans, the AfD represents an alternative to a status quo they view as failing.
The polling data also aligns with trends observed in other recent surveys. Institutes such as Insa, Forsa, and Infratest Dimap have similarly placed the AfD either at or near the top, with support ranging between 25 and 26 percent.
Taken together, these figures point to a consistent and sustained shift in German public opinion. The AfD is no longer a fringe challenger—it is emerging as the dominant political force in the country. Yet despite this reality, establishment parties continue to insist they will not form a coalition with the AfD under any circumstances. This refusal raises serious questions about the future of democratic governance in Germany, particularly if current trends continue.
If the AfD maintains or expands its lead, forming a stable government without its participation is likely to become increasingly difficult. The political class may soon face a stark choice: adapt to voter demands or risk deepening the legitimacy crisis already underway.
At the heart of this crisis lies a growing perception that democratic processes are being constrained by informal rules designed to exclude certain viewpoints. The so-called “firewall” against the AfD is increasingly seen by critics as one such mechanism.
For many voters, this dynamic reinforces the belief that elections alone are no longer sufficient to bring about meaningful political change. Instead, outcomes appear pre-determined by an entrenched network of parties unwilling to relinquish control.
The AfD’s rise must also be understood in the context of broader European trends. Across the continent, national-conservative and anti-migration movements are gaining ground, challenging decades of globalist policymaking.
Germany, long considered the anchor of Europe’s political consensus, now finds itself at the forefront of this shift. The implications extend far beyond its borders, potentially reshaping the balance of power within the European Union.
The issue of migration, in particular, remains a central driver of voter dissatisfaction. Years of mass immigration, coupled with rising concerns over integration and security, have eroded public confidence in mainstream parties.
Economic pressures have further compounded these frustrations. Inflation, energy costs, and declining living standards have left many Germans questioning the priorities of their government.
Against this backdrop, the AfD’s message of national sovereignty and political accountability is resonating with an increasingly broad segment of the population. What was once dismissed as protest voting is now evolving into a durable political realignment.
The response from the political establishment has largely been one of resistance rather than reflection. Instead of addressing the underlying causes of discontent, many leaders continue to focus on isolating the AfD.
This approach risks backfiring. As support for the AfD grows, efforts to marginalize it may only reinforce the perception that the system is working against the will of the people. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Germany’s political system can adapt to these changes. The gap between voters and their representatives is widening, and the consequences of ignoring it could be profound.
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