Germany news: Far-right AfD ahead of Merz’s conservatives

Whale Rescue Efforts Intensify

A humpback whale stranded off the Baltic coast has become the focus of renewed rescue efforts. Dubbed “Timmy” by local media, the animal has been seen wandering the German shoreline since early March and has stranded itself multiple times, most recently near the island of Poel. Officials describe its condition as critical, suspecting illness or possible demise. Recent live footage showed the whale reacting aggressively to a diver, flailing its tail and twisting sharply in shallow waters before calming again.

Teams are now preparing to lift the whale using air cushions and floating pontoons. The operation, backed by a private initiative, aims to refloat the creature and transport it toward the North Sea or Atlantic. Environment Minister Till Backhaus has endorsed the plan, calling the whale “a seriously ill patient” and emphasizing the need for a last-ditch attempt. While authorities will oversee the process, they’ve stressed that the initiative bears full responsibility for the outcome.

“If you try something, then at least you have a chance of saving it,” said Walter Gunz, founder of MediaMarkt, in an interview with DPA. “Better an end with horror than a horror without end.”

Entrepreneur Karin Walter-Mommert, known for her work in equestrian circles, has also joined the effort. “We have no chance, but we’re taking it,” she told DPA. Demonstrations supporting the whale’s survival have grown, with some online posts even targeting officials with threats.

Political Polls Show Shift in Support

In a separate development, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has again surpassed the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in recent polling. A ZDF survey released Friday reported the AfD at 26%, while the CDU/CSU bloc of Chancellor Friedrich Merz dropped to 25%. The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) saw their support fall to 12%, and the Greens’ ratings slid to 14%.

The Left party, however, gained traction, reaching 11%. The Free Democrats, focused on business interests, remained at 3%, with other parties accounting for 9% combined. Analysts suggest the shift reflects rising discontent with the current government’s handling of fuel prices tied to the Iran war. Over 80% of respondents felt measures were insufficient, with 57% demanding more decisive action on energy issues.

Augsburg, a Bundesliga club, honored its former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who died in a traffic accident near Salzburg at age 48. Manninger, who played for the club from 2012 to 2016, made 36 Bundesliga appearances and had stints in Italy and with Arsenal. He earned 33 caps for Austria and concluded his career at Liverpool.

“We are deeply shocked by the death of our former player and friend Alexander Manninger,” stated Michael Ströll, Augsburg’s managing director. “Alex was not only a first-class goalkeeper but also a highly respected individual who enriched our team and club with his character.”