Recent polling data indicates a narrowing gap between the CDU/CSU and the AfD in voter preferences. The weekly Sonntagstrend, conducted by Insa for “Bild am Sonntag” shows the Union currently at 26 percent, a one-point decrease. The AfD maintains its position at 25 percent, closely trailing the CDU/CSU.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains steady at 15 percent, while the Green Party holds at 11 percent. Die Linke stands at 9 percent. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) both register 4 percent support.
Looking ahead to the 2029 federal election, 43 percent of respondents believe the AfD will become the strongest political force. Conversely, 39 percent consider this unlikely, with 18 percent remaining undecided or declining to answer.
With regard to upcoming state elections scheduled for Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 43 percent of those polled anticipate the AfD will hold the office of Minister President in at least one federal state. A further 25 percent predict successes in multiple states, while 19 percent do not foresee such outcomes and 13 percent remain undecided or did not comment.
A majority, 56 percent of respondents, view the work of the current black-red federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz as a factor increasing the AfD’s potential electoral support at the federal level. Seventeen percent see no influence, 10 percent anticipate a decrease in support for the AfD and a further 17 percent did not provide an answer.
When asked about potential cooperation between the CDU/CSU and the AfD, 47 percent believe the Union should continue to resolutely rule out such collaboration. Forty percent oppose maintaining this barrier, with 6 percent indicating indifference and 7 percent abstaining from answering.
The Sonntagstrend survey involved a total of 1,206 individuals interviewed between August 11th and 15th, 2025. An additional 1,005 people were surveyed between August 14th and 15th to answer the remaining questions.