Recent polling data indicates a shift in German voter sentiment, with the CDU/CSU experiencing a notable decline in support. The latest survey, conducted by the Infratest Institute for ARD, places support for the CDU/CSU at 27 percent, a three-point decrease compared to early July.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to maintain strong support, reaching 24 percent – matching its highest level recorded in the ARD “Deutschlandtrend” from April. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains stable at 13 percent, as do the Green Party at 12 percent and The Left party at 10 percent.
Smaller parties, including the BSW at 3 percent (down one point) and the FDP at 4 percent (up one point), currently appear unlikely to surpass the threshold for parliamentary representation.
Overall satisfaction with the current federal government has decreased significantly. The survey reveals a satisfaction rating of 29 percent, a ten-point drop and the lowest since the government took office. A substantial majority (69 percent) express dissatisfaction or a lack of satisfaction with the performance of the CDU/CSU and SPD.
CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz has also experienced a decline in public trust. Currently, 32 percent report being satisfied or very satisfied with his performance, a ten-point decrease compared to July. Two-thirds (65 percent) express dissatisfaction or a lack of satisfaction.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) maintains the highest approval rating within the cabinet, with 60 percent expressing satisfaction (down one point). Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) remains at 31 percent satisfaction (down one point). Satisfaction with Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) is at 26 percent (down six points), while Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) remains at 30 percent, with 53 percent expressing dissatisfaction.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) receives a 26 percent satisfaction rating (down three points), with approximately half (53 percent) expressing dissatisfaction. CSU Chairman Markus Söder receives a positive assessment from 38 percent (up three points compared to April).
AfD Chairwoman Alice Weidel has 24 percent reporting satisfaction (down two points), with two-thirds (68 percent) expressing dissatisfaction. The Left’s Jan van Aken has 14 percent satisfaction (up eight points), but over half (55 percent) either do not know him or are unable to form an opinion. Green Co-Chair Katharina Dröge registers a 13 percent satisfaction rating (up one point), but 56 percent are unfamiliar with her or hesitant to comment.
The survey involved 1,321 eligible voters aged 18 and over in Germany, contacted via telephone and online between August 4th and 6th.
