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New Delhi: The far-right, neo-Nazi Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become Germany’s most popular political party, according to a new opinion survey. The poll, conducted by Verian between April 28 and May 7, showed AfD leading with 25 per cent support. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) slipped to second place after the two parties were tied in the previous survey conducted a month earlier.

The latest numbers add to the growing pressure on Merz, whose government has faced repeated tensions with coalition partner Social Democratic Party (SPD), compounded by strain coming in from an increasingly confrontational campaign led by US President Donald Trump against Germany.

The latest Verian survey showed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leading with 25 per cent support, ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) alliance at 24 per cent. The poll was conducted between April 28 and May 5 among 1,448 respondents.

The AfD’s rise has been particularly striking in eastern Germany, where the far-right party has emerged as the dominant political force in several states. Its support crossed the 35-40 per cent mark in some regional surveys. 

The surge has come as Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces growing pressure over disputes within his coalition government on issues including welfare spending, taxes and healthcare reforms. At the same time, the coalition’s junior partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), also continues to struggle nationally. It is polling at around 12-13 per cent in recent surveys as well.

AfD’s recent rise has been driven by growing public frustration over immigration, high energy prices and Germany’s economic slowdown. Dissatisfaction with the current coalition dispensation only compounds the problem. The party has also expanded its support base in eastern Germany, where it has emerged as the strongest political force in several states.

AfD’s surge also reflects the broader rise of right-wing and nationalist parties across Europe in recent years. Similar movements in countries such as France, Italy, Netherlands and Austria have gained support by campaigning on anti-immigration policies and economic uncertainties.