The Alternative for Germany (AfD) maintains its lead in voter preference, according to the latest Forsa poll conducted for RTL and n-tv. The party holds steady at 26 percent, a figure that underscores its continued resonance within the electorate despite ongoing scrutiny. The Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) remains in second place, albeit trailing by two percentage points at 24 percent. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) experienced a slight uptick, gaining one percentage point to reach 14 percent, while Die Linke lost ground, slipping one point to 11 percent. The Green Party and the newly formed BSW remain at 12 percent and 4 percent respectively, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) lingers at 3 percent, mirroring the stability of other parties, including those categorized as “other” at 6 percent.
Interestingly, while the AfD leads in voter preference, perceptions of political competence paint a more nuanced picture. The CDU/CSU has marginally improved its standing on this metric, reaching 20 percent – demonstrating an attempt to project an image of strength and capability – while the AfD’s lead has softened slightly, dropping to 13 percent. A significant 48 percent of respondents believe that no party is adequately equipped to address Germany’s pressing challenges, highlighting a widespread sense of disillusionment with the political landscape.
The performance of CDU leader Friedrich Merz remains a point of considerable contention. While he registered a modest increase in approval, with 27 percent expressing satisfaction (up from the previous week’s low), a stark 69 percent remain dissatisfied. Crucially, Merz’s support is almost exclusively confined to CDU/CSU voters, with overwhelming disapproval registered across the SPD, Green, Left and even AfD voter bases. This underscores a widening chasm in political alignment and suggests a failure to connect with broader constituencies.
Adding to the prevailing mood of uncertainty, public expectations regarding the German economy remain overwhelmingly pessimistic. Only 17 percent anticipate an improvement, compared to 61 percent who foresee a deterioration. This lack of confidence in the economic outlook reflects deeper anxieties about the country’s future and potentially fuels support for populist alternatives. The data, reflecting polling from October 14th to 20th, 2025, based on a sample of 2,505 individuals, provides a snapshot of a German electorate grappling with complex political and economic concerns.