Berlin: Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is experiencing a significant rise in support, driven primarily by economic fears rather than migration, a leading expert has stated following the party's record-breaking performance in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
According to Anadolu Agency, Peter Matuschek, director of research for pollster Forsa, emphasized that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, needs to focus on restoring its image of economic competency to reclaim voters from the AfD. Matuschek highlighted that surveys show the economy, company closures, auto-industry issues, and rising prices are the primary concerns for the electorate, overshadowing migration.
Weekly tracking by Forsa indicates a growing anxiety among Germans regarding economic conditions. Matuschek noted that AfD supporters, many of whom belong to the middle class, are particularly pessimistic about the future. Historically, the CDU was perceived as the most capable party in managing Germany's economic challenges, but that confidence has waned, with current support levels significantly lower than in previous decades.
The recent election results in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD secured a record 43.8% of the vote while the CDU fell to an unprecedented low of 17.2%, have sparked discussions about the party's potential influence on a national scale. However, Matuschek cautioned against seeing Saxony-Anhalt as a reflection of broader national trends, pointing out the unique historical and political context of the eastern state.
The AfD's success is attributed to its ability to mobilize both its core supporters and former non-voters, capitalizing on concerns about economic insecurity and migration. Surveys revealed that the AfD's electorate is driven by a fear of losing their current status and a desire to return to past economic conditions.
Additionally, Matuschek highlighted the dissatisfaction with Chancellor Merz's leadership, with many voters blaming his administration for the CDU's poor performance. Despite the pressure, Merz has ruled out resignation and expressed determination to address the challenges facing his party.
While the election outcome has intensified debates within the CDU, Matuschek does not foresee an early federal election, as neither the CDU nor the Social Democrats would benefit from such a move given the AfD's current strength in national polls. The coalition government is expected to focus on improving its standing by delivering tangible policy results in the coming years.