A recent poll conducted by Forsa reveals shifts in voter preferences and perceptions of leadership within Germany. The survey, compiled for RTL and ntv and based on responses gathered between July 15th and 21st, indicates a tightening of support between the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Both parties now stand at 25 percent in the latest voter preference ratings. This represents a one-point decline for the CDU/CSU and a corresponding one-point gain for the AfD.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) holds steady at 13 percent. The Green Party and The Left party are both at 12 percent, with The Left party registering a one-point increase. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance maintains its support at four percent, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) sees a decrease to three percent (-1). Other parties collectively account for six percent.
When assessing perceived political competence, the CDU/CSU remains the frontrunner with 23 percent, followed by the AfD at 11 percent. The SPD and The Left party are at six percent each, while the Green Party records five percent. Notably, 47 percent of respondents believe that none of the parties are capable of solving the country’s pressing issues.
Economic sentiment has experienced a slight deterioration compared to the previous week. Twenty-three percent of respondents anticipate an improvement in the economic situation (+1), while 54 percent expect a worsening (+1) and 20 percent foresee stable conditions (-2).
The poll also examined the public’s perception of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. A slight majority (54 percent) views him as a strong leader, while 42 percent disagree. Support for this assessment is particularly strong among CDU/CSU voters (84 percent), but also notable among SPD (62 percent) and Green Party (53 percent) supporters.
However, evaluations regarding Merz’s trustworthiness are considerably less positive. Only 29 percent consider him trustworthy, with 67 percent disagreeing. This lack of trust extends beyond opposition voters; nearly a third (30 percent) of CDU/CSU supporters also express doubts. Disapproval is particularly pronounced among AfD (3 percent), The Left (11 percent), Green Party (23 percent) and SPD (23 percent) voters.
The survey’s data base comprised 2,502 respondents for party preferences, political competence and economic expectations, while the assessment of Chancellor Merz was based on responses from 1,008 individuals.