The political landscape in Germany remains stubbornly stagnant at the start of the new year, according to a fresh Forsa poll commissioned by RTL and ntv. The survey paints a picture of continued voter dissatisfaction and reinforces the challenges facing Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his governing coalition.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to dominate, holding steady at 26% and demonstrating remarkable resilience despite ongoing scrutiny. The conservative CDU/CSU follows closely behind, maintaining its support at 24% – a figure that, while significant, underscores the growing chasm between the two parties and the potential for further shifts in voter allegiance. The Social Democrats (SPD) are floundering, trapped in an all-time low of 13%, mirroring the declining support for the Green Party, which also stands at 13%. The Left party (11%), the newly formed BSW (3%) and the Free Democrats (3%) show no signs of gaining traction, while a significant 7% of respondents remain unaligned or support smaller parties.
Perhaps most concerning for Chancellor Merz is the consistently negative assessment of his leadership. Just 23% of respondents expressed satisfaction with his performance, a two-point decline from previous measurements and perilously close to the all-time low recorded in November 2025. This dwindling approval rating casts a shadow over his ability to navigate the complex political and economic challenges facing the nation.
Recognizing the escalating pressure, Merz recently emphasized the precarious state of the German economy and announced a renewed focus on economic improvement for 2026. However, this pledge has been met with widespread skepticism. A resounding 57% of those surveyed doubt Merz’s ability to deliver on this promise, highlighting a critical trust deficit between the government and the populace. Only 40% believe he will dedicate greater attention to addressing the country’s economic woes in the coming year.
The poll, conducted between January 5th and 12th, 2026, surveyed 3,004 individuals, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving political climate. The consistent stagnation across party lines and the deepening discontent with Chancellor Merz suggest a volatile year ahead for German politics, demanding a reassessment of strategies and a concerted effort to rebuild public trust. The AfD’s continued prominence also raises questions about the broader societal anxieties underpinning its support and the effectiveness of mainstream political responses.
