Recent polling data indicates a continuing lead for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in voter preference, maintaining 26 percent support in the latest weekly Forsa survey commissioned by RTL and ntv.
The Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) experienced a one-point increase to 25 percent, though remains near its historical low of 24.1 percent, previously recorded in the 2021 federal election. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) holds steady at 13 percent. The Green Party saw a one-point decrease to 12 percent, while the Left Party gained a point, also reaching 12 percent. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) currently stands at 3 percent, down one point. Both the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and other parties remain unchanged at 3 and 6 percent respectively.
Regarding perceived political competence, the CDU/CSU leads with 20 percent, a one-point increase, followed by the AfD at 12 percent. The SPD, Green Party and Left Party each received 6, 5 and 5 percent respectively. However, half of German citizens (50 percent) do not believe any party is capable of solving the country’s problems.
Economic expectations among respondents continue to worsen. Only 15 percent anticipate an improvement in the economic situation, a slight increase, while 63 percent expect a deterioration – a new high. Twenty percent foresee no change.
Currently, 30 percent of German citizens express satisfaction with the work of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, a one-point increase but still near his lowest approval rating. Two-thirds (67 percent) remain dissatisfied.
The polling data suggests a divided perception of Merz’s capabilities. 46 percent believe he is overwhelmed by the office, while 48 percent consider him capable. Doubts are particularly strong among supporters of the AfD (78 percent), Left Party (69 percent) and SPD (39 percent).
Merz’s leadership style also faces criticism. A majority (58 percent) believe he makes decisions too frequently alone, without sufficient consultation. This view is shared by 44 percent of CDU/CSU supporters. Furthermore, 70 percent reject his claim to leadership on European matters, expressing a desire for him to prioritize domestic issues. This sentiment is also prevalent within the CDU/CSU voter base. Additionally, 78 percent believe Merz makes too many promises he cannot keep, an assessment shared by a majority of CDU/CSU supporters (55 percent).
The data on party preferences, political competence and economic expectations is based on a survey of 2,502 individuals conducted by Forsa for RTL Deutschland between August 12th and 18th. The data regarding perceptions of Friedrich Merz is based on a survey of 1,002 citizens conducted between August 15th and 18th.