Following the revelations of the investigative journalism website “Correctiv” for meetings of its executives with neo-Nazi organizations and elaboration of plans for mass and forcible deportations, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) registers the first losses in its opinion polls, however maintains second place, while neither the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) nor the Social Democratic Party (SPD) benefit from the deterioration of the far-right party.

According to a poll conducted by the INSA Institute on behalf of the BILD newspaper, the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) remains first with 30.5% (-0.5), with the AfD following with 21.5% (-1.5), registering in this survey the biggest drop of the last two years. The SPD shrinks further to 13.5% (-0.5), the Greens rise to 12.5% ​​(+0.5) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) remains at the 5% mark. The Left, after the split of the party, is limited to 3% (-1). The “other parties”, which currently include the “Alliance Zara Wagenknecht” (BSW) of the former leader of the parliamentary group of the Left, are increasing their percentage in 11.5% (+3.5%).

“The demonstrations against the AfD supported by 37% of respondents. There seems to be an impact on survey responses as well. The AfD, however, remains the second party, eight points ahead of the SPD. But there is also 50% who say that they consider it unthinkable to vote AfD”, the head of the INSA Institute, Herman Binkert, tells BILD.

However, according to the German news agency dpa, the revelations about the meeting with neo-Nazis and the deportation plans have not stopped the speed with which the AfD is attracting new members. A party spokesman said that from January 10 to 22, 1,400 registration applications were submitted, while resignations were limited to double digits.