The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has hit 20 percent in a new poll in Baden-Württemberg, marking the first time the party has hit the 20 percent mark in a western state in the country.
The poll, conducted by Infratest Deimap, shows the AfD almost doubled its voting share from the last election, while the Greens and Social Democrats (SPD) saw their support soften. The SPD scored 12 percent in the poll, a drop of one point, while the Greens are at 22 percent, a drop of two points.
The Christian Democrats (CDU) continue to lead in the state with 29 percent. Theoretically, the AfD would be able to govern with the CDU alone in a two-party coalition in the state, but the CDU has ruled out such a coalition with the AfD.
The AfD is the strongest in the east of Germany, where it polls above 30 percent in some states and continues to grow in strength.
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If the AfD were to start making in-roads in the west of Germany, it would further set off alarm bells within Germany’s left-liberal ruling bloc. Polling shows that the party is growing in popularity in nearly all western states, but until now, the party has been unable to breach 20 percent.
Analysts point to Germany’s inflation crisis, the issue of mass migration, and unhappiness with green energy policies all contributing to the AfD’s rise.
