Germany’s political landscape remains deeply fractured, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) maintaining its position as the leading political force, according to the latest Forsa poll conducted at the end of November. The AfD holds a precarious lead with 26 percent of the vote, narrowly edging out the traditionally dominant Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at 25 percent. This marks a sustained period of challenge to the CDU’s longstanding hegemony.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) languishes at 14 percent, with the Green Party following at 12 percent. The Left party and the recently formed “Die Basis” party (BSW) each register at 3 percent, demonstrating a lack of significant traction. Notably, a substantial 26 percent of respondents identify as non-voters or remain undecided, highlighting a widespread disillusionment with the established political offerings.
The poll’s findings are further complicated by the continued erosion of support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU. His approval rating has plummeted to a startling 22 percent, surpassing even the lowest recorded approval rating of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz (23 percent). This represents a historical nadir for the chancellorship, achieved within a mere six months of Merz assuming office.
The decline in Merz’s popularity isn’t limited to the broader electorate. Even within his own party’s base, cracks are appearing. Only 57 percent of CDU/CSU voters express satisfaction with his performance, while a concerning 43 percent voice criticism. Across all other political parties, a clear majority of voters reject Merz’s current course.
The increasingly pessimistic economic outlook – with 63 percent of Germans anticipating a worsening economic situation – exacerbates the sense of political malaise and contributes to the unfavorable assessment of the current leadership. The combination of a struggling economy, the rise of the AfD and the plummeting approval of the Chancellor present significant challenges for the German political establishment, signaling a potential reshaping of the country’s political future. The poll, based on a sample of 2,501 individuals, underscores the depth of the anxieties and frustrations currently reverberating through German society.
