Recent polling data indicates a narrowing gap between the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in voter preference. The latest Sonntagstrend survey, conducted by Insa for Bild am Sonntag, places the CDU/CSU at 26%, a one-point decrease from the previous week. The AfD maintains its standing at 25%.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains at 15%, while the Green Party holds steady at 11%. Die Linke (The Left Party) is at 9%. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) both register 4% support.
Looking ahead to the 2029 federal election, 43% of respondents believe the AfD will become the strongest political force. Conversely, 39% consider this unlikely, with 18% remaining undecided or declining to comment.
Regarding upcoming state elections in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 43% anticipate the AfD securing the position of Minister President in at least one state. A further 25% foresee successes in multiple states. 19% do not believe this will happen, while 13% are uncertain or did not provide an answer.
A majority, 56% of those polled, view the performance of the current black-red (CDU/CSU and SPD) federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz as a factor contributing to the AfD’s potential on a national level. 17% perceive no influence, 10% anticipate a decrease in the AfD’s support and a further 17% remained uncommitted.
When asked about potential cooperation between the CDU/CSU and the AfD, 47% advocate for continued exclusion of the AfD. 40% oppose maintaining this “firewall” against cooperation, 6% expressed indifference and 7% declined to answer.
The Sonntagstrend survey involved a total of 1,206 individuals polled between August 11th and 15th, 2025. An additional 1,005 people were surveyed between August 14th and 15th to answer the remaining questions.
