Far Rights Western Inroads Create Headache German Coalition 2025 09 15
Reuters1 day
Germany: AfD Hits 26% in Polls, Surpasses CDU/CSU in Latest Survey
Above: AfD leader Alice Weidel walks to the lectern in the Bundestag in Berlin, Germany on May 14, 2025. Image copyright: Michael Kappeler/picture alliance/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The AfD’s rise is a threat to German democracy, taking advantage of domestic tensions for political benefit. Alice Weidel promotes a hate-inspired agenda while pushing for closer ties with Moscow and opposing aid to Ukraine, raising concerns about Germany’s foreign policy alignment while fueling polarization at home.
Government-critical narrative
The AfD's surge reflects widespread voter concern across the country over immigration, crime and freedom of speech that mainstream parties have ignored. Across Europe, citizens are abandoning the status quo for those who prioritize national security and border control, showing that the AfD addresses critical issues that other parties simply fail to tackle.