The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has achieved a new record in the polls, which is now only behind the Christian Union (CDU/CSU), leaving behind the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens.

In the latest poll “Deutschlandtrend” on behalf of the first channel of German public television ARD, the CDU/CSU maintain their lead with 29% unchanged in their percentages, while the AfD gains one point and reaches 19%, which is also the largest percentage recorded for the party in this survey. Chancellor Olaf Solz’s SPD loses one point and is down to 17% and third place, while the Greens remain at 15%. With a loss of one unit, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) is at 6% and the Left, unchanged, still remains below the electoral threshold (5%), with 4%.

Despite the rise of AfD, the majority (52%) is in favor of the cooperation of the other parties at the local level, in order to prevent far-right candidates from being elected to the positions of mayors or regional governors. 35% of respondents consider, on the contrary, that this practice is wrong.

The same poll also highlights citizens’ dissatisfaction with the work of the federal government, as only one in five say they are satisfied with it.

Ahead of the summer season, 29% of Germans say they will not take a vacation this year, mainly citing their financial situation. Of the rest, 41% will prefer a destination with road access for their holidays, while 17% will travel by air and 7% by rail. A 2% plan to reach their holiday destination by bicycle.