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One year of Merz: Germany’s far right surges

Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to revive the political centre when he took office a year ago, but the far-right AfD has climbed to the top of the polls as his coalition’s support wanes.

Published May 4, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT | WFMZZ

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office a year ago promising to revive the political centre. Since then the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has risen to the top of national polls, while popularity for Merz’s governing coalition has declined.