Far-right party gains ground in German election as immigration dominates debate

Germany's upcoming federal election shows a significant shift in the political landscape. For the first time since World War II, the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) is polling at a record low of 16%, while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leads with around 30%. Smaller parties, particularly the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), are gaining ground, expected to receive about 20% of the vote. Immigration has become the central issue, fueled by recent violent incidents involving foreign nationals, leading to increased calls for stricter immigration policies. The economy is also a concern, with Germany facing a prolonged recession and rising living costs. Political leaders are divided on how to address these challenges, complicating the formation of a stable government post-election.