Germany's political landscape is heating up as migration becomes a central issue ahead of the Bundestag elections.

CDU/CSU candidate Friedrich Merz faces mixed public opinion after his party's proposals on stricter migration policies gained support with AfD votes.

While 52% of Germans approve of this approach, critics question Merz's credibility, with 49% finding his rejection of AfD collaboration believable.

Meanwhile, the SPD has seen a sharp decline in polls, dropping to 15%, while the AfD surged to 23%, making it the second-strongest party.

Migration is now the top concern for 36% of voters, up from 23% the previous week, following a deadly attack in Aschaffenburg.

The political divide deepens as Germany heads into a pivotal election.