German public opinion shifts in latest ZDF-Politbarometer survey, with CDU and CSU gaining ground.
According to a recent survey conducted by the research group Wahlen, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have increased their popularity, now standing at 27 percent, a one-point gain. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) remains at 23 percent, while the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) coalition partner must accept a one-point decline to 15 percent.
On the other hand, the Left Party has seen a one-point increase, now at 11 percent, while the Green Party, the Bavarian State Party and other parties have maintained their previous standings of 12, 3 and 6 percent, respectively. The Free Democratic Party, meanwhile, has continued to decline, now at 3 percent, a one-point drop.
The survey also reveals a significant shift in public opinion regarding the relationship between Germany and the United States, with nearly three-quarters of respondents believing it to be in a poor or very poor state. A similar proportion, almost three-quarters, think that a hardline approach should be taken towards US President Donald Trump. Furthermore, the survey indicates a growing desire among the German public to exert more pressure on the Israeli government in the Gaza conflict, with 63 percent now calling for increased pressure, a 11-point increase from the 52 percent recorded in April.