According to the latest poll results by the German polling agency INSA, Alice Weidel, the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), tops the approval ratings for chancellor candidates with 24%, far surpassing the current Chancellor and Social Democratic Party leader Olaf Scholz's 15%, and Green Party Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck's 14%. This result reflects Weidel's high personal popularity among certain voters.
Chancellor Approval Ratings Are Not Election Results
However, it is noteworthy that these poll results only reflect the approval ratings for chancellor candidates, which are fundamentally different from the German electoral system. In Germany, voters do not directly vote for the chancellor but choose a political party through their votes. Therefore, party support rates are key to determining the election outcome.
Election Polls: The Union Remains Dominant
According to the latest election polls, the party with the highest support rate is the Union (a coalition of the CDU/CSU), currently with about 32% support. The AfD ranks second with 20%, showing a steady rise in support in recent years. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party hold third and fourth positions with 16% and 14% support, respectively.
From these data, it is clear that although AfD leader Weidel is leading in chancellor candidate approval ratings, at the election level, the Union is still the most likely party to win.
Rising AfD Support Sparks Concern
The AfD's reputation has risen among certain voters in recent years, particularly attracting attention for its positions on immigration policy and economic issues. However, the party is also controversial due to its far-right stance, with some views criticized as extremist. Against this backdrop, its rising support has drawn widespread attention in German politics.
Future Outlook: Election Prospects Undecided
There is still some time before the next election, and poll data may adjust with changes in public opinion. Whether the Union can solidify its support, whether the AfD can continue to expand its influence, and whether the SPD and the Green Party can propose policies that appeal more to voters are all important points of observation in the future of German politics.
In any case, these poll results indicate that public trust in traditional parties in Germany is being tested, while the rise of the far-right AfD adds uncertainty to future political landscapes.
