Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz now faces mounting pressure. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has more than tripled its support in local elections. Exit polls reveal a sharp rise in the party’s popularity, marking Merz’s first serious electoral challenge since taking office four months ago.

AfD Makes Big Gains in Key State

According to exit polls, Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) won 34% of the vote in North Rhine-Westphalia. However, this result nearly matches its worst performance from 2020.

Meanwhile, AfD surged to 16.5%, showing a dramatic increase in support.

North Rhine-Westphalia is crucial because it is Germany’s most populous state, home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s population. Moreover, it includes a mix of farmland, industrial towns, and diverse cities with large student communities.

Why This Election Matters

Nearly 14 million people were eligible to vote, making this electorate larger than all East German states combined, where AfD has traditionally been strongest.

As a result, the vote decided 20,000 positions, including seats in more than 320 local councils, as well as mayoral and lord mayoral posts.

Additionally, voter turnout rose sharply to 59%, which is significantly higher than in 2020.

Although CDU is expected to retain control, the Social Democrats (SPD) finished second with 22.5%, showing a slight drop from their previous results.

AfD Benefits From Others’ Losses

Furthermore, pollsters noted that AfD’s gains came largely at the expense of the Greens and the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP).

Currently, AfD serves as Germany’s main opposition party in parliament. Its leaders have set a goal to enter the federal government by 2027, and this result strengthens their ambitions.

Economic Concerns and Immigration Drive Voter Shift

The election took place amid growing economic troubles, rising unemployment, and increasing concerns over immigration. Consequently, these issues fueled AfD’s rise among voters.

On the other hand, Merz has pledged to fix the economy, control immigration, and weaken the far-right’s influence.

AfD Positions Itself as a Strong Alternative

Despite local councils having limited powers over national policies, AfD focused heavily on topics like energy, education, and immigration.

As a result, many voters viewed the party as a confident alternative to mainstream groups.

Ultimately, AfD’s success signals its growing strength and its potential to play a larger role in shaping Germany’s political future.