The Union (CDU/CSU) is continuing a decline in the RTL and ntv “Trendbarometer,” reaching a new historical low in the latest survey. According to the latest poll by the Forsa opinion research institute, CDU and CSU dropped one point to 19 percent, falling below the 20 percent mark. This represents a new low in this specific survey and is significantly lower than the weak result the Union achieved during the 2021 federal election when Armin Laschet was the chancellor candidate.
The AfD also lost one percentage point, but remains the strongest force at 26 percent. The Greens decreased by one point, now holding 16 percent. In contrast, the SPD increased by two percentage points to 14 percent, bringing them closer to the Greens. The Left Party (12 percent), the FDP (4 percent), and BSW (3 percent) remained stable. The proportion of non-voters and undecided voters remains high at 24 percent, exceeding the non-voting share from the previous federal election (17.9 percent).
The Union is also facing increasing pressure regarding political competence. Currently, only nine percent of respondents trust CDU and CSU the most to solve Germany’s problems. This places the Union below the ten percent threshold, a one-point loss compared to the previous week. Despite a one-point decline, the AfD still leads with twelve percent. The SPD gained two points, almost matching the Union at eight percent. The Greens lost one point to reach seven percent, while the Left Party held steady at six percent. Notably, a majority of 55 percent of voters still do not trust any single party to best solve the problems facing Germany.
Satisfaction with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) remains at an extremely low level. Just like the previous week, only eleven percent of German citizens are satisfied with his work, with 87 percent being dissatisfied. Criticism also strongly outweighs support within the Union’s own camp: among CDU and CSU supporters, only 39 percent are satisfied with Merz, while 59 percent rate his work negatively.
“Data basis: 2,501 respondents. Period: September 22 to 28, 2026.”
