AfD – Polling data, political positions and political science insights

The AfD was founded in 2013 by Alexander Gauland, Bernd Lucke, and Konrad Adam. Initially, its focus was on criticism of the Euro rescue policy and the demand for an orderly dissolution of the Eurozone. Over time, the party's focus shifted to topics such as migration, Islam, and national identity. In 2015, some founding members left the party because they disagreed with the increasing influence of the right wing. Under the leadership of Frauke Petry and later Jörg Meuthen, the AfD developed into a right-wing populist force, which is represented in several state parliaments and, since 2017, also in the Bundestag. Since May 2025, the party has been classified as definitely right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The AfD represents a national conservative and right-wing populist program. It demands a restrictive migration policy, rejects political Islam, and advocates for the preservation of traditional German cultural values. Economically, it positions itself as neoliberal and demands, among other things, the abolition of the Euro in its current form. In European politics, it shows itself to be eurosceptic and advocates for a transfer of powers from the EU to the nation-states. Furthermore, the AfD emphasizes the importance of direct democracy and calls for referendums modeled after Switzerland.

Since its foundation, the AfD has been able to continuously achieve electoral successes. Especially in East German federal states such as Saxony and Thuringia, it achieves high vote shares and has sometimes become the strongest force in state elections. These successes are often interpreted as an expression of protest against established parties and as a reaction to societal changes. Critics accuse the AfD of promoting right-wing extremist tendencies and dividing society. Supporters see in it a necessary opposition that addresses grievances and offers alternative solutions.