Germany reports drop in asylum claims amid rising political tension
German asylum applications nearly halved in July, as political polls show AfD widening its lead and anti-government protests take place in Plauen.
Germany has reported a sharp decline in asylum applications, with initial requests dropping to 4,311 in July, almost half the figure recorded in July 2025. The data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior reflects a broader downward trend in migration figures over the past six months.
Politically, the latest Deutschlandtrend survey shows the Alternative for Germany (AfD) expanding its lead over the CDU/CSU alliance, amid rising public support for pragmatic, case-by-case cooperation with the party.
In Saxony, thousands attended anti-government protests in Plauen calling for the federal administration's resignation. Attendance estimates varied, with event organizers registering 10,000 participants while local authorities initially held back precise official figures. Meanwhile, in Berlin, SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach proposed establishing a comprehensive rent register and utilizing police checks with steep fines to combat excessive housing rents.
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
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