AfD tops German polls as CDU falls to fourth in Berlin election

A new Infratest‑dimap poll for the ARD‑Deutschlandtrend shows the far‑right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) at 27 % of the vote, ahead of the Union (CDU/CSU) at 22 % and the SPD at 12 %. The poll also records a historic low for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with only 13 % of respondents satisfied with his performance – the worst rating ever recorded in the survey, and 84 % expressing dissatisfaction.

In Thuringia, an Insa poll reports the AfD reaching a record 40 % support, the highest ever measured for the party in any German state. The CDU/CSU in the state fell to 22 %.

Ahead of the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus election on 20 September, an Infratest‑dimap survey commissioned by RBB shows the CDU led by Mayor Kai Wegner slipping to fourth place with 17 % of the vote, behind The Left at 20 %, the Greens at 19 % and the AfD at 18 %. Wegner described the result as a “warning signal for the city” and pledged to strengthen the political centre.

These poll results are discussed in a political podcast where commentator Claus Weselsky links the surge in AfD support to a broader trust crisis in German politics, citing perceived lobby influence, broken promises and a lack of parliamentary accountability.