"Turning Point": German Far-Right AfD Hits Record 30% as CDU Falls to Historic Low

German polls show the far-right AfD at a record 30% while the CDU/CSU alliance fell to an historic low, marking a turning point in the country's political landscape. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled his UN trip amid internal party tensions. According to a GMS survey cited by Die Welt, AfD gained 2 points to 30%, while CDU/CSU dropped 3 points to 20%. A YouGov poll similarly showed AfD leading with 29% and CDU/CSU at 18%, with other parties trailing behind. Communication expert Philipp Jessen called the results a "turning point" leading to fundamental changes. The surveys followed state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, and AfD also leads in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, prompting Merz to stay in Berlin.