Why the AfD is Gaining Strength in mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Reactions to a Recent Poll
A recent survey has highlighted the growing strength of the Option for Germany (AfD) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV), prompting reactions from the stateS leading political figures. The poll results are being interpreted as a sign of widespread dissatisfaction with the established parties and a failure to address pressing everyday concerns.
Government Downplays National Impact
The head of government stated the results shoudl be viewed through a state-level lens,arguing,”Because than it is about the future of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and not about federal politics.”
The Left: focus on Everyday Worries
Hennis Herbst,state chairman of the Left party and coalition partner to the SPD in the state government,described the survey as a “good starting point for the 2026 state election.” The Left emphasizes direct engagement with citizens, having launched a “front door survey” to understand voter expectations. Herbst stated, “The first discussions clearly show that everyday worries have to be addressed. Increasing rents, expensive food, heating costs, low wages and scarce pensions employ people.”
The Left criticizes federal policy, accusing the governing coalition of prioritizing “reduction debates in the welfare state, upgrading and disputes in judge elections” over improving citizens’ daily lives. Herbst directly linked the AfD’s strong showing to this perceived failure: “The AfD’s terrifying survey result is evidence of this.” she argued that addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction is crucial to undermining the AfD, stating, “Where democratic parties do not manage to solve everyday worries and thus regain trust, the AfD fascists benefit from the growing dissatisfaction. It must be our task to withdraw the material basis for the AfD on which it stirs up her hatred.” The Left intends to prioritize issues like affordable living, equal educational opportunities, and accessible healthcare.
FDP: Loss of Trust and Overcoming Voter Apathy
René Domke,state chief of the FDP,acknowledged his party’s current marginalization,noting they are relegated to the “Others” category in the poll. He admitted, “It will be a long and arduous way for us to regain trust. The voter apparently clearly assigned us to the traffic lights out of a year ago.”
Domke also observed a shift in voter perception, stating that the AfD ”no longer produced horror images at the voter” and that voters have overcome their “shyness of choosing the AfD.” He emphasized the widespread dissatisfaction with established parties: “People outside in the country are simply fully dissatisfied with the established parties.That must finaly be understood.”
CDU: Disappointment and Unfulfilled Expectations
Katy Hoffmeister, CDU general secretary, described the survey results as “absolutely disappointing.” She attributed the party’s poor performance to the federal government’s perceived failures,stating,”after the traffic light years,people had given great hopes in the CDU and CSU and were looking forward to a speedy economic relaxation and social peace. These hopes have not yet fulfilled. This has to change urgently.”
Hoffmeister also pointed to strong social polarization as a contributing factor, especially within Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. She expressed concern that the political extremes – the Left and the AfD – are gaining ground, stating, ”The political edges…claim of the people’s Party CDU, are very surprising to hold society together.”
the AfD’s strength in Mecklenburg-western Pomerania appears to be fueled by a combination of factors: widespread dissatisfaction with the established parties’ handling of everyday economic concerns, a perceived failure to deliver on promises of economic betterment, and a diminishing stigma associated with voting for the AfD.The other parties acknowledge the need to address these issues to regain voter trust and counter the AfD’s growing influence.