A significant shift in German political sentiment is emerging, according to a new YouGov poll released Wednesday. The survey reveals a startling convergence in voter support for the center-right Union bloc (CDU/CSU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), both currently polling at 26 percent. This represents a decline for the Union and a gain for the AfD since the last YouGov “Sunday question” poll conducted a month prior.
The Green Party has seen a slight increase, now at 12 percent, while the Left party has lost ground, falling to 10 percent. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains relatively stable at 14 percent, with the BSW and FDP both holding at 4 percent and “Others” accounting for 5 percent.
However, the numbers paint a more critical picture of the governing “black-red” coalition, comprised of the CDU/CSU and SPD. A staggering 56 percent of respondents expressed the view that the coalition’s collaboration is either “bad” or “rather bad” highlighting deep-seated public dissatisfaction. Only 14 percent believe the partnership functions effectively, while 22 percent remain neutral and 7 percent are undecided.
This discontent is mirrored within the coalition’s own voter base. A mere 24 percent of CDU/CSU supporters and 27 percent of SPD voters believe the coalition is performing well. This points to potential erosion of support within the parties themselves, fueled by perceived misalignment and ineffective governance.
The poll further indicates a widespread perception that the government lacks dynamism and initiative. A substantial 60 percent of all respondents feel the coalition has enacted too few reforms. Just 12 percent believe the current pace of reform is appropriate and a small minority (8 percent) considers it excessive. This sentiment is particularly acute among supporters of both the CDU/CSU (66 percent feel too few reforms) and the SPD (60 percent).
The findings raise serious questions about the stability of the current government and suggest that voter engagement with the established political landscape is undergoing a significant, potentially volatile, realignment. The convergence of support for the Union and the AfD, coupled with the widespread dissatisfaction with coalition performance and a perceived lack of reform, creates a challenging environment for policymakers and underscores a deep-seated public desire for decisive action. The survey, based on responses from 2,116 eligible voters collected between December 12th and 15th, signals a need for the government to urgently address growing public anxieties and demonstrate renewed commitment to meaningful policy changes.