Germany sees drop in asylum claims amid political protests and AfD poll gains

German asylum applications dropped sharply in July to 4,311, nearly half the total recorded in July 2025, according to the Interior Ministry. The drop reflects a broader six-month decline in initial claims.

Meanwhile, political tensions persist nationwide. Thousands gathered in Plauen, Saxony, demanding the federal government's resignation during demonstrations organized by "Einigkeit für Deutschland." While FAZ cited police estimates of around 10,000 participants, Die Zeit noted authorities had not immediately confirmed exact turnout.

In Berlin, SPD candidate Steffen Krach proposed police controls to combat rent gouging. Separately, the latest Deutschlandtrend poll showed the AfD widening its lead over the CDU/CSU.

Sources: DW, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, FAZ, Tagesschau