A new Infratest poll paints a troubling picture for Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), revealing a continued slide in popularity just months before anticipated regional elections. The survey, conducted this week, indicates the SPD would garner only 13% of the vote if a federal election were held Sunday – a stark drop from 14% in December and its lowest point since August 2019. This decline underscores a growing discontent with the party’s performance within the governing coalition.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) bloc, currently holding power with the SPD, remain relatively stable at 28%, a slight increase from December. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) maintains its considerable presence with 25%, while the Greens and the Left party hold steady at 12% and 10% respectively. The nascent BSW party, as well as the Free Democratic Party (FDP), remain below the crucial 5% threshold needed for parliamentary representation, each registering at 3%.
Public approval of the CDU/CSU-SPD government remains remarkably low. A mere 20% of German voters expressed satisfaction or strong satisfaction with the government’s performance, mirroring the sentiment recorded at the end of 2023. A substantial 78% of respondents registered their dissatisfaction, signaling significant concerns regarding the coalition’s direction. While 48% believe the government is likely to remain in power until 2026, a concerning 45% consider it more likely to collapse.
Individually, the performance of key ministers reflects this wider discontent. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, of the SPD, stands as a rare exception, retaining a degree of public favor with 57% expressing satisfaction, although this is a slight decline from December. However, Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil’s approval has plummeted, falling to just 26% – a significant drop – while 56% express disapproval.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU fares little better, with only 24% satisfied with his leadership and a majority voicing discontent. Similarly, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU draws 24% satisfaction, again overshadowed by significant disapproval. The limited public recognition surrounding Economics Minister Katherina Reiche highlights a disconnect between government action and public awareness, with a substantial 43% admitting they are unfamiliar with her work or unable to form an opinion.
Regional leadership also faces scrutiny. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, of the CSU, has seen his approval rating slide, indicating a waning influence beyond his regional base. Even Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD parliamentary group, receives more disapproval than approval. The low recognition scores and lukewarm reception afforded to the leadership of the Left and the Greens further underscores a pervasive sense of public disengagement from mainstream political figures.
The Infratest poll, surveying 1,323 eligible voters, points to a period of significant political instability and underscores the challenges facing the current German government, as well as the broader struggles within the established political establishment to regain public trust.
