The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has surpassed Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right CDU/CSU bloc to become the largest political party in Germany according to a recent Forsa poll. AfD leads with 26% support compared to 24% for the CDU/CSU, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens each hold 13%. Chancellor Merz’s approval rating has fallen to a record low of 29% since taking office three months ago. Public dissatisfaction with the governing black-red Grand Coalition is growing amid unresolved crises, including economic challenges exacerbated by trade policies and the green agenda. Despite discussions about banning the AfD due to its far-right stance, a majority of Germans oppose such a move. This shift marks the first time in modern history that far-right and populist parties simultaneously top polls in Germany, France, and Britain. Germany is also facing a projected debt spiral with deficits expected to exceed 4% of GDP through 2032, the largest and longest sustained deficits in post-war history.