Germany’s political landscape remains deeply fractured, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) solidifying its position as the nation’s leading political force, according to a new Forsa poll. The AfD commands a significant 26% of voter preference, surpassing the traditionally dominant Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU. The CDU/CSU, measured at 24%, suffered a decline of one percentage point, signaling a continued erosion of their electoral support.
While the Social Democratic Party (SPD) registered a marginal increase of one percentage point, they remain significantly below the 14% mark, prompting renewed scrutiny of their policy direction and leadership. The Green Party, the Left Party and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) maintain their established standings, while the recently formed BSW also holds steady at 3%.
Beyond simple voter preference, the poll reveals a worrying trend regarding perceived leadership competence. The CDU/CSU’s ability to effectively address the nation’s challenges is dwindling, with only 17% of respondents believing them capable of providing solutions – a three-point decrease from the previous week. This dwindling perception is notable as it brings the CDU/CSU’s standing increasingly close to the AfD’s (14%), highlighting the shifting sands of political trust. A substantial 51% of those surveyed express a lack of confidence in any party to provide effective governance, indicating a widespread disillusionment with the established political order.
The data presents a particularly stark assessment of the performance of CDU leader Friedrich Merz. A consistently low approval rating persists around 72% of citizens express dissatisfaction with his leadership, with only 25% expressing approval. Even within the ranks of CDU supporters, visible cracks are appearing, as support wavers. While 70% of CDU loyalists still rate his performance positively, the narrowing margin underscores the precariousness of his position and the growing pressure for a change in strategy.
These findings, collected between October 28th and November 3rd, 2025, based on a survey of 2,500 respondents, underscore a profound crisis of confidence in the traditional pillars of German politics, while simultaneously fueling the rise of more radical alternatives and raising complex questions about the stability of the German political system. The declining trust in established parties presents a significant challenge for the future of German governance and demands a critical examination of the policies and approaches shaping the nation’s direction.