Germans are divided over cooperation with AfD as the party's popularity rises in polls
The latest ARD Deutschlandtrend extra survey showed that Germans are still divided on whether other parties should cooperate with the AfD (Alternative for Germany). 40 percent of participants said that all parties should rule out any cooperation, while 30 percent preferred to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, and 25 percent were open to cooperation.
Supporters of the SPD, the Greens, and the Left Party strongly oppose any cooperation with the AfD. In contrast, about two-thirds of AfD supporters want other parties to cooperate with them. Among CDU/CSU supporters, opinions vary: 46 percent support cooperation on a case-by-case basis, 10 percent support it in principle, while 41 percent oppose any form of cooperation.
The survey also explored the reasons for the rise in popularity of AfD. According to the latest Deutschlandtrend survey conducted on November 6, AfD's voting reached 26 percent. Most Germans, 60 percent of all eligible voters and 39 percent of AfD supporters, attributed this rise to general disappointment with the policies of other parties.
Regarding AfD supporters in particular, 25 percent pointed to the party's political concepts, and 15 percent to the way politicians from other parties deal with AfD. The media coverage of the party was the least influential, mentioned by only 6 percent of voters and AfD supporters.
The survey included 1,300 eligible voters aged 18 and over, conducted via phone and online between November 3 and 5. According to ARD, the sample represents the voting-eligible population of Germany, highlighting the complex diversity of opinions regarding potential cooperation with AfD.