Recent polling data indicates a significant shift in the German political landscape, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) now matching the combined support of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU). The latest survey, conducted by the institute Infratest, reveals that both the CDU/CSU and the AfD currently stand at 26 percent. This represents a one-point decrease for the CDU/CSU and a one-point increase for the AfD, marking the AfD’s strongest showing in the ARD’s “Deutschlandtrend” survey.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains stable at 14 percent. The Green Party experiences a slight increase, reaching 12 percent (+1). The Left Party holds steady at 10 percent. The Basic Social Welfare (BSW) party sees a decrease to 3 percent, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) remains at 3 percent, both falling below the threshold for parliamentary representation. Other parties collectively account for 6 percent.
The survey highlights pervasive dissatisfaction with the current coalition government formed by the CDU/CSU and SPD. A substantial 77 percent of those surveyed express dissatisfaction or lack of satisfaction with the government’s performance, a two-point increase from the previous month. Only 20 percent express satisfaction or strong satisfaction, a decrease of two points, representing the government’s weakest approval ratings since taking office.
Alongside governmental dissatisfaction, concerns about the functioning of German democracy are on the rise. Satisfaction with how democracy operates in Germany has declined to 42 percent, a ten-point drop from August 2024. A majority, 56 percent, now express dissatisfaction, an increase of 11 points, with the sentiment particularly pronounced in eastern German states where nearly two-thirds (67 percent) hold this view.
Voters identify right-wing extremism and populism as the primary threat to German democracy, with 30 percent citing this concern, unchanged from the previous month. Following closely is perceived “dysfunctional action” from political institutions and administration, mentioned by 20 percent (+2). External political threats and migration concerns are also cited as significant issues, albeit to a lesser extent.
Public approval of individual government officials displays a mixed picture. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) maintains the highest approval rating at 56 percent, though this marks a slight decline. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has the support of 34 percent, a one-point decrease. Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has 31 percent satisfaction and 54% dissatisfaction; and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) experiences a significant drop in approval, currently at 27 percent – his lowest to date.
Alice Weidel, the AfD’s parliamentary group leader, sees 26 percent satisfaction, accompanied by a majority expressing disapproval. The newly surveyed Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche (CDU), is largely unknown, with 46 percent of respondents stating they are not familiar with her or are unsure of her performance.
The survey was conducted by Infratest, based on interviews with 1,306 individuals between September 29th and October 1st.