In a recent poll conducted by the INSA research institute, the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached second place in Berlin, gaining traction just months before the local parliamentary elections. According to the German news agency DPA, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leads the poll with 22 percent, closely followed by AfD, which appears to be a growing force in the capital. The results come amid signs of weakening support for the coalition partner of CDU, reflecting significant shifts in the city's political landscape.

The Social Democrats (SPD) are currently at 16 percent support, along with the Greens and The Left party, both of which received 15 percent each according to the survey conducted between February 17 and 24 with a sample size of 1,000 respondents. The margin of error for this poll is around three percentage points, leaving the political situation in Berlin delicately balanced. With elections set for September 20, the changing dynamics among these parties could lead to a transformation of the political environment in the city.

The upcoming Berlin elections are one of five regional elections taking place in Germany this year, with the earliest being held in Baden-Württemberg on March 8. The results of these polls are crucial as they not only represent immediate shifts in voter sentiment but also may set the tone for future national elections in Germany. The rise of AfD, identified as a far-right party, raises concerns and discussions about the changing political attitudes among voters in urban areas like Berlin which have traditionally leaned towards more progressive values.