A hypothetical election held this Sunday would see the Social Democratic Party (SPD) experience its lowest approval rating since January 2020, according to a survey conducted by the Infratest institute for the ARD’s “Deutschlandtrend”. The poll of 1,312 eligible voters, released Monday through Wednesday of this week, indicates the governing party would lose two percentage points compared to June, reaching 13 percent in support.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) remains the strongest political force, garnering 30 percent of the vote, a slight increase of one percentage point. The Left party also saw a modest gain, registering at 10 percent.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) maintained its position at 23 percent, while the Green party held steady at 12 percent. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) remained at three percent, falling below the 5 percent threshold for representation and the right-leaning Free Voters (BSW) also remained at four percent, below the threshold. Other parties combined would receive five percent.
Overall satisfaction with the current federal government has declined, with 39 percent of Germans expressing satisfaction or contentment, a decrease of one percentage point. A majority, 54 percent, are less or not at all satisfied with the performance of the CDU and SPD.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) saw a slight increase in confidence, with 42 percent expressing satisfaction or contentment, up three points since June. However, a majority (53 percent) remain dissatisfied. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) continues to enjoy the highest approval rating within the cabinet, remaining at 61 percent satisfaction. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD), in her first poll, both registered at 32 percent satisfaction, a two-point increase. President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner (CDU), saw a significant rise in satisfaction, reaching 31 percent, a ten-point increase since August 2021. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) experienced a notable drop in approval, falling nine percentage points to 30 percent, with 50 percent expressing dissatisfaction. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) currently holds 29 percent satisfaction, with 47 percent dissatisfied.
Satisfaction with Heidi Reichinnek, leader of the Left party, is at 20 percent, with 47 percent of respondents not knowing her or unable to form an opinion. Tino Chrupalla, leader of the AfD, received 17 percent satisfaction, with 50 percent expressing dissatisfaction. Green party co-leader Britta Haßelmann registered at 14 percent satisfaction, with 62 percent of respondents not knowing her or unable to form an opinion.