AfD declares itself Germany's new people's party after consecutive regional wins

The far‑right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) declared itself Germany’s new “people’s party” after securing a second regional election victory within two weeks, a development that intensifies scrutiny of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its leader, Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The party’s recent successes have amplified pressure on the CDU, which has struggled to maintain its traditional support base, while the far‑left also recorded gains, clinching a third regional win with its latest triumph in Berlin.

Commentators note the shifting political landscape. Hans Stark, a professor of contemporary German civilization at Sorbonne University, told Perspective that Merz now occupies a “very fragile” position and that the CDU lacks a clear successor to assume leadership. The dual advances of the AfD and the far‑left underscore a volatile electoral environment that could reshape Germany’s party dynamics in the coming months.