The latest political sentiment readings, compiled by Forsa and commissioned by RTL Deutschland, paint a stark picture of continued struggle for Germany’s ruling coalition, revealing no signs of a significant rebound in public support. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) remains firmly entrenched as the leading political force, holding steady at 26 percent, consistently outperforming the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which remains stagnant at 24 percent. This persistent lead underscores a growing disconnect between the government’s agenda and the concerns of a substantial portion of the electorate.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is experiencing a particularly acute crisis, suffering a further decline to 13 percent, mirroring the historic lows recorded during the summer months. This continued erosion of support raises serious questions about the party’s ability to effectively address the challenges facing the nation and its relevance within the governing alliance. While the Green Party managed a marginal gain of one percentage point, likely influenced by recent internal party discussions, they too now stand at 13 percent, effectively tying with the SPD. This parity highlights a shared vulnerability within the progressive wing of the government.
The figures present a particularly challenging moment for Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU. Despite a slight uptick in approval, climbing one point to 23 percent, a resounding 75 percent of German citizens express dissatisfaction with his performance. These figures represent a historically low approval rating, demonstrating a deep-seated skepticism toward his leadership, even with the minimal improvement. The inability to cultivate broader public confidence raises serious concerns about the long-term viability of his chancellorship and the coalition’s chances of navigating the complex political landscape ahead.
The survey, conducted between December 9th and 15th with a sample size of 2,503 individuals, reveals a nation grappling with uncertainty and seemingly unresponsive to the current political direction. The persistently low approval ratings and the AfD’s continued dominance necessitate a critical evaluation of governmental policy and a renewed effort to reconnect with the electorate’s anxieties and aspirations.
