Survey Reveals Deep Skepticism Towards Democracy Among AfD Supporters in Germany

A recent Allensbach survey conducted from September 4 to 16, 2026, involving 1,051 participants, sheds light on growing distrust in Germany's political system, especially among supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The findings highlight a striking disparity in how the political landscape is perceived, revealing widespread dissatisfaction and calls for systemic change.

According to the survey commissioned by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) and reported by multiple sources, 73% of AfD supporters regard the political system as a "sham democracy," criticizing it for a lack of genuine citizen participation. Only 37% of these supporters consider democracy the best form of government, a stark contrast to the general population where about two-thirds uphold democracy’s value. Moreover, 69% of AfD sympathizers express dissatisfaction with the democratic order and show little willingness to make compromises to preserve it.

These sentiments translate into a broader climate of distrust: only 7% of Germans express strong confidence in politics, while 53% have limited trust and approximately one-third outright distrust political decision-making. This marks a notable decline in trust since five years ago, when 17% showed strong distrust. Half of the population also reports feeling heavily burdened by ongoing political, social, and economic developments. These feelings are particularly acute among lower social strata, with 48% fearing for the future—more than double the 22% concern among higher social classes.

The results underline a political crisis within Germany, where socioeconomic pressures intersect with growing skepticism toward existing democratic institutions. The survey highlights that 83% of AfD supporters demand fundamental political reforms, especially those living in East Germany and belonging to lower social classes. This dissatisfaction aligns with broader concerns over current crises impacting the country, as noted by Prof. Dr. Renate Köcher of the Institute for Demoskopie Allensbach.

In summary, the survey portrays a divided German electorate, with an increasingly vocal faction of AfD supporters challenging the legitimacy and effectiveness of democracy itself. The prevailing dissatisfaction may deepen political polarization, raising urgent questions about the future stability and direction of Germany’s democracy.