Alice Weidel Gains 24% Support, Overtakes Friedrich Merz as Most Popular Chancellor Candidate Ahead of February 2024 Elections

Dec 22, 2024, 01:06 PM

Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has surpassed Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) as the most popular candidate for Chancellor, according to a recent poll conducted by INSA for the newspaper BILD. The poll, which was carried out between December 18 and 19, indicates that Weidel now holds 24% support among voters, while Merz trails behind. This shift in popularity comes as the German political landscape prepares for elections scheduled for February 2024. The rise of Weidel has been noted alongside endorsements, including one from Elon Musk, further highlighting her growing influence within the political sphere. The poll results suggest a significant change in voter sentiment as the AfD continues to gain traction in the lead-up to the elections.