Recent polling data indicates a continuing lead for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in voter preference, registering at 26% in the latest weekly Forsa survey conducted for RTL and ntv. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) collectively show a one-point increase to 25%, though remain near a historically low point of 24.1% previously recorded.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) maintains its position at 13%, while the Green Party experiences a one-point decrease to 12%. The Left Party (Die Linke) also registers 12%, gaining one point. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) currently stands at 3%, a one-point decrease. Both the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and other parties remain stable at 3% and 6% respectively.
Regarding perceived political competence, the CDU/CSU lead with 20% (+1%), followed by the AfD at 12%. The SPD, Greens and Left Party all score 6%, 5% and 5% respectively. However, half of the respondents (50%) express a lack of confidence in any party’s ability to address the country’s challenges.
Economic expectations continue to decline, with only 15% anticipating an improvement in the economic situation (+1 percentage point). A majority, 63%, foresee a deterioration – a new high in the survey. Twenty percent anticipate no change.
Current polling also examines public perception of CDU leader Friedrich Merz. Thirty percent of citizens report satisfaction with his performance, a one-point increase, but still not far from his lowest recorded approval rating. Two-thirds (67%) express dissatisfaction.
The survey reveals that 46% of respondents believe Merz is overwhelmed by the demands of his position, while 48% believe he is capable. Doubts are particularly pronounced among supporters of the AfD (78%), the Left Party (69%) and the SPD (39%).
Merz’s leadership style is also subject to criticism, with 58% of respondents believing he makes decisions too often alone, without sufficient consultation. This view is shared by 44% of CDU/CSU supporters. A significant majority (70%) believe Merz should prioritize domestic policy over asserting leadership on European matters, a sentiment shared within his own party base. Furthermore, 78% perceive that Merz makes too many promises he fails to keep, a view also held by a majority (55%) of CDU/CSU voters.
The data regarding party preferences, political competence and economic expectations is based on interviews with 2,502 people conducted by Forsa for RTL Deutschland between August 12th and 18th. The data concerning perceptions of Friedrich Merz is based on a survey of 1,002 citizens conducted between August 15th and 18th.
