German asylum applications drop sharply as AfD gains in polls
German initial asylum requests fell to 4,311 in July, while anti-government protests hit Plauen and the AfD expanded its poll lead over the CDU/CSU.
Germany recorded a sharp drop in initial asylum applications in July, with figures falling to 4,311—nearly half the total recorded in July 2025. Data from the Interior Ministry confirmed a continuing downward trend over the past six months.
Concurrently, anti-government demonstrations organized by the group "Einigkeit für Deutschland" drew thousands of protesters to Plauen, Saxony, calling for the federal cabinet's resignation. Police reported approximately 10,000 participants, alongside around 400 counter-demonstrators.
In Berlin, SPD top candidate Steffen Krach advocated deploying police inspections and substantial fines to curb excessive housing rents, proposing a central registry to track overcharging. Meanwhile, the latest Deutschlandtrend survey showed the Alternative for Germany (AfD) widening its poll lead over the CDU/CSU, alongside growing public acceptance of pragmatic, case-by-case cooperation with the right-wing party.
Sources: DW, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, FAZ, Tagesschau
Sources
- Tagesschau — Zahl der Asylerstanträge im Juli auf 4.311 gesunken
- DW — Deutschlandtrend: AfD vergrößert Vorsprung vor der Union
- Die Zeit — Protest gegen Bundesregierung: «Diese Regierung muss weg» - viel Zulauf für Demo in Plauen
- Der Spiegel — Berlin: SPD-Spitzenkandidat Steffen Krach will Polizeikontrollen gegen Mietwucher
- FAZ — Deutschland-Liveblog: Zehntausend Demonstranten bei Kundgebung gegen Bundesregierung
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCBerlin parliament shrinks after vote transmission error shifts mandate to AfD
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCBerlin parliament shrinks after vote transmission error shifts seat to AfD
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCBerlin recount shifts state seat to AfD following transmission error
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCBerlin election recount shifts mandate to AfD amid changing voter trends
- Oct 13, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCBerlin election recount shifts seat to AfD and reduces parliament size
- Oct 12, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCBerlin parliament shrinks after election counting error reassigns seat
- Oct 11, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCBerlin election result adjusted after seat recount and demographic study
- Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCBerlin parliament shrinks after vote correction as election trends emerge
- Oct 11, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCRecount and voter demographic insights follow Berlin state election
- Oct 10, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCBerlin election analyses highlight youth trends and seat recalculation