EU's stance on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party
In the latest polls, the Union could widen its lead over the AfD, with Friedrich Merz, the designated Chancellor, facing less support. The SPD's most popular politician is currently leading the race.
The path towards a new CDU/CSU and SPD coalition seems almost clear after the SPD member vote, but enthusiasm isn't quite there. Only 48% of Germans favor the grand coalition, while 37% reject it, and 10% remain indifferent. The current state of affairs according to the ZDF "Politbarometer" shows a deeply divided opinion on the problem-solving competence of the current black-red coalition, with 48% believing they can provide decisive impulses, while 47% are doubtful.
A Chancellorship for Friedrich Merz does not seem appealing to the majority of Germans, with only 38% favoring the idea. A government led by Merz receives better responses, suggesting that he may be more palatable as a leader of the country, rather than as the head of his own party. The reason for this may be attributed to Merz's polarizing nature, particularly among SPD supporters, as evidenced by a devastating 62% verdict among them.
The economy, social issues, asylum and refugees, defense, and climate protection are the leading issues on the table for the next government. Economy takes the top spot, with 45% considering it the most pressing field of action. Meanwhile, "social" follows at a considerable distance with 21%, and "Asylum/Refugees" with 12%. "Defense" and "Climate Protection" each have 10% and share fourth place.
In surprising news, The Left party has gained in popularity, scoring double digits with 10%. Other parties such as the FDP (4%) and the BSW (3%) remain unchanged. A renewed coalition between the CDU/CSU and SPD would not have a parliamentary majority.
The Rise of the Left
If federal elections were held today, the landscape would see only minor shifts. The Union would gain one point and stand at 27%, while the AfD would lose one percent point and settle at 23%. The SPD stagnates at a dismal 15%. The Greens slip to 11%. Remarkably, The Left would surprisingly secure double digits with 10%. The FDP (4%) and the BSW (3%) remain unchanged. The others combine for 7%, but no single party surpasses the three percent mark. Politically explosive: Even a renewed coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD would not have a parliamentary majority.
The Political Landscape
When it comes to public sympathy and performance, Boris Pistorius remains at the top, leading the political ranking undisputed with an average value of 2.3 on the scale from +5 to -5. He further expands his lead over April (1.9). Far behind is Gregor Gysi with 1.0, closely followed by SPD General Secretary Lars Klingbeil with 0.8. Robert Habeck only reaches a neutral 0.0 - a slight downward trend.
Markus Söder, Friedrich Merz, Olaf Scholz, Annalena Baerbock, Sahra Wagenknecht, and Alice Weidel all hold different positions in the political spectrum. Merz's leadership qualities have seen significant declines in public perception, while Baerbock, Wagenknecht, and Weidel occupy the bottom rungs of the political ladder.
Overall, while Merz faces significant challenges in terms of public trust and perceived leadership qualities, Pistorius remains a respected figure within Germany, particularly for his role in defense. The unpopularity of Merz raises questions about his leadership abilities, which may be a concern for the future. Meanwhile, Pistorius's tenure as Defence Minister, and expected continuation in the new government, indicate a level of public confidence in his abilities.
- Despite a potential widening gap between the Union and the AfD, enthusiasm for a CDU/CSU and SPD coalition remains divided among Germans.
- The current state of policy-and-legislation and politics in general-news is concerning for many, as shown by the results of the ZDF "Politbarometer" survey.
- A government led by Friedrich Merz faces less support, with only 38% favoring his chancellorship, and Germans seem to perceive him as more palatable as a leader of the country, rather than as the head of his own party.
- The Left party has experienced a surprising rise in popularity, securing double digits with 10%, which could potentially impact the political landscape if federal elections were held today.
