Poll shows German voters turning away from Merz's CDU amid reunification debate
A recent poll reveals deep dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his coalition, while the AfD leads nationally and reunification remains a divisive issue.
Ahead of the anniversary of German reunification, infratest dimap surveyed 1,303 voters about personal impacts and political preferences. While a minority of East Germans see personal benefits, most West Germans report no major effect. The centre-right coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz recorded a historic low approval, with only 10% satisfied with the government's performance and 40% of CDU backers still supportive.
Recent state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania dealt severe blows to the CDU, including a first-time failure to pass the 5% threshold. Hypothetical nationwide voting would leave the CDU/CSU at roughly 20%, the AfD at 27%, the SPD at 13% and the Greens at 16%, making a governing majority unlikely. The poll also highlighted widespread anxiety over artificial intelligence, climate change, Russian threats, energy prices and the perceived inability of parties to reach consensus on key issues.
Why it matters
The survey signals a potential reshaping of Germany's political landscape and growing public unease on key policy challenges.
How this story developed
- Sep 7 The Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the leading party in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 39 seats, while the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) entered parliament and could influence the choice of state premier.
- Sep 7 The AfD was reported to be three seats short of an outright majority, prompting coalition negotiations.
- Sep 7 AfD received 43.8% of the vote and the CDU dropped to about 17%.
- Sep 13 Sloterdijk’s interview at the Hay Festival added new commentary on the AfD’s trajectory.
- Sep 20 Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted his CDU suffered a crushing defeat in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the AfD reached 37% while the CDU fell to 5.5%.
- Sep 20 AfD emerged as the front‑runner in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and Die Linke topped the Berlin vote.
- Sep 21 The CDU failed to clear the 5% threshold in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern, losing all its seats in the state parliament.
- Sep 21 Speaking on Tagesschau Extra, Krings said a division of the two top positions has not been ruled out and should be openly discussed. He recalled past CDU experiences where combining the roles proved problematic and stressed that the country's interests must come before personal ambitions. Krings added that the party must focus on overdue reforms rather than debating leadership changes, especially after recent electoral defeats in several states.
- Sep 21 AfD received about 44% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, falling short of a majority by three seats.
- Sep 22 The CDU top council met on Monday to voice concerns about the party’s leadership.
- Sep 24 Merz faces mounting pressure after the regional setbacks.
- Sep 24 The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance pledged support for the AfD’s speaker nominee, creating a parliamentary majority for the AfD in Saxony‑Anhalt.
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