Germany's far-right AfD party gains support ahead of elections, complicating coalition talks

In the lead-up to Germany's federal elections, a recent poll shows the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining support, while mainstream parties like the CDU/CSU and Social Democrats (SPD) have lost ground. The CDU/CSU is at 29%, and the AfD has risen to 21%. Friedrich Merz, leading the CDU/CSU, may need to form a three-way coalition with either the SPD and Greens or the SPD and Free Democrats (FDP). This could result in lengthy negotiations, leaving Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a caretaker position. The political landscape is shifting, with traditional parties struggling and the AfD gaining influence. Coalition talks may be complicated by tensions over migration policy, as Merz faces scrutiny for seeking support from the AfD.