Creepiness in Germany. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party continues its rise in the polls and, in the latest survey, shares second place with the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

According to a poll by the INSA Institute on behalf of BILD, the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) loses 1.5 points and is limited to 26.5%, while the AfD gains one unit and reaches 19%. The SPD is at the same percentage, with a loss of 1.5 points as well. The Greens strengthen by half a point and reach 13.5%, as do the Liberals (FDP), which are at 9%. The Left gains half a point and is right at the 5% mark.

Based on this measurement, only a three-party government could be formed, either CDU/CSU, SPD and FDP or CDU/CSU, Greens and FDP or CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens. “The weakness of the Christian Union and the SPD makes it even more difficult to form a government. In any case, the chancellor would come from the Union,” said INSA head Herman Blinkert.

In terms of personalities, the most popular politician is the Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, followed by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Zender, North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hendrik Wust, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil and Agriculture Minister Cem Ejdemir. Chancellor Olaf Solz is limited to sixth place in the ranking.