Recent polling data indicates a continued shift in German political preferences and a prevailing sense of economic pessimism among citizens. A survey conducted between August 19th and 25th, 2025, by Forsa for RTL and ntv, reveals the Alternative for Germany (AfD) currently holds 26% of voter support – a record high for the party. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) follow closely behind at 25%.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) maintains a steady 13% support, while the Green Party remains at 12%. The Left Party has experienced a slight decrease to 11%, with both the Business and Freedom Liberal Party (BSW and FDP) registering 3% support. Other parties collectively garner 7% of voter preferences.
Regarding perceptions of political competence, the CDU/CSU leads with 21% of respondents identifying them as capable, followed by the AfD at 12%. The SPD, Green Party and Left Party all receive 6%, 5% and 5% respectively. Notably, a significant 49% of citizens express a lack of confidence in any party’s ability to address the nation’s challenges.
Economic outlook remains largely negative, with only 14% of those surveyed anticipating an improvement in economic conditions. A substantial 61% foresee a deterioration, marking a peak in pessimistic sentiment, while 22% expect conditions to remain stable.
Citizen satisfaction with the work of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) currently stands at 31%, with 66% expressing dissatisfaction. Support for Merz is largely confined to CDU/CSU voters (70%), while supporters of the SPD (57%), Green Party (72%), Left Party (85%) and AfD (93%) largely express disapproval.
Skepticism is particularly pronounced regarding the government’s ability to revitalize the German economy. Only 36% believe a successful economic turnaround is achievable under Merz’s leadership, with a clear majority of 61% doubting its prospects. This skepticism is particularly strong in Eastern Germany (72%). Support for the government’s economic policies is primarily found amongst CDU/CSU supporters (64%).
The data on party preferences and political competence is based on a survey of 2,501 respondents conducted between August 19th and 25th, 2025. Perceptions regarding the economic turnaround were assessed through a separate survey of 1,009 individuals between August 22nd and 25th.