Collaboration between Union and SPD Over Sixty Days: Most Public Perceive Union-SPD Cooperation as Unfavorable - Union-SPD collaboration viewed as increasingly detrimental by majority, after 100 days
The current political landscape in Germany is marked by a wave of dissatisfaction, with the populace expressing skepticism towards the government's ability to address major challenges such as the reform of the pension system, as only 24% believe the government can make an important contribution [1][2].
The SPD, Greens, and FDP coalition, commonly known as the Ampel government, has been plagued by infighting and economic difficulties, including recession and blocked economic measures, contributing to a loss of public confidence [1][2]. These challenges have led to a commanding lead for the CDU, the main opposition party led by Friedrich Merz, who is currently polling around 27-28% [1][2].
The CDU's leadership under Merz has not been without controversy. A recent migration-related resolution, passed with support from the FDP and AfD but without the backing of the SPD or Greens, has sparked widespread protests and criticism, indicating public concern over the CDU's approach [5]. Opinion on Merz's migration policy and alleged cooperation with AfD is evenly split, suggesting polarization without a clear shift in overall polling trends [5].
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become the most popular party in some polls, recently surpassing the CDU, indicating increased public support amid dissatisfaction with the governing coalition [3]. The SPD and Greens are polling around 13% and 12% respectively, reflecting a decline from previous years as the coalition's popularity wanes [3].
The FDP is polling very low, around 3%, largely due to internal disputes and their defense of unpopular fiscal policies like the debt brake [2]. There is a significant increase in non-voters and undecided voters (up to 25%), higher than the 17.9% abstention rate in the 2021 election, indicating electoral volatility and potential disenchantment with existing parties [3].
The survey, named the "Politbarometer", was conducted by the Mannheim Research Group Wahlen between the 11th and 13th of August [4]. If the federal election were held next Sunday, the CDU/CSU would remain at 27% [4]. The AfD would lose one point to 23 percent, while the SPD would continue to record 15% in the polls [4]. The Greens could improve by one point to twelve percent, and the Left would again be at eleven percent [4].
Despite the current challenges, the work of the federal government is currently rated as rather good by 44% and rather bad by 46% [4]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's work is currently rated as rather good by 49% and rather bad by 45% [4]. The black-red coalition's cooperation was rated as rather good by 51% at the start of the new government [4].
References:
- Deutschlandfunk
- Tagesschau
- Spiegel Online
- Mannheim Research Group Wahlen
- Süddeutsche Zeitung
- The dissatisfaction within the German community is driving the need for further improvements in policy-and-legislation, such as community aid for the development of less-favored regions, aid for the restructuring of regions, and measures to address economic difficulties.
- Amidst political controversies and public disapproval, the debate regarding migration, economy, and politics within the overall general-news sphere has amplified, with potential policy changes on the horizon.
