Recent polling data indicates that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party continues to thrive, contrary to expectations following a perceived reduction in immigration concerns. Analysts suggest that the party's popularity might have been expected to decline with the implementation of new immigration policies aimed at reducing the number of refugees. However, current surveys from Infratest dimap show that the AfD remains stable in the opinion of voters, even as the public's perception of immigration issues shifts. This paradox raises significant questions about the evolving political landscape in Germany.

The article highlights that the new policies have effectively reduced the number of refugees housed in initial reception centers, thereby alleviating some burden on local municipalities. As fewer refugees arrive, and with less immediate concern from citizens over immigration, one might anticipate that parties like the AfD, which have capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiment, would see a decrease in support. Yet, the ongoing political climate suggests that the electorate still views the AfD as a viable alternative, despite a diminished focus on immigration.

The maintenance of support for the AfD, as indicated by the newer polling data, could point to deeper, more engrained issues within German society regarding immigration and nationalism. This persistence in popularity serves as a crucial reminder that political sentiments often transcend immediate policy impacts, necessitating a deeper understanding of voter motivations and the broader implications for German politics in the future.