Poll in Germany: AfD retains lead, CDU/CSU falls to its weakest level in nearly five years

CDU/CSU has recorded its weakest result in nearly five years, according to an INSA poll published by the German newspaper Bild. The governing bloc is now 8 percentage points behind the AfD, which continues to lead the rankings.

The survey was conducted across Germany from August 10 to 14, with 1,203 people participating. CDU/CSU received 20% support, one point less than the previous week, while the margin of error was reported at 3.1 percentage points. This is the party’s lowest level since October 2021.

The AfD remained at 28% and retained first place. The Greens followed with 13%, while the SPD and Die Linke each secured 12%. The FDP received 5%, while the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance received 3%.

Together, CDU/CSU and the SPD, the two parties in the governing coalition, command 32% support. This figure is only four points higher than the AfD’s result.

The decline in support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government is occurring during a period marked by criticism of economic stagnation, unfulfilled campaign promises, and disputes over taxes, social welfare, and public spending priorities.

Attitudes toward the chancellor also remain largely negative. Only 16% of respondents said they were satisfied with Merz’s performance, while 78% expressed dissatisfaction. In addition, around four in five participants disapprove of the federal government’s performance.

INSA Director Hermann Binkert told Bild that “support has never been this low and rejection this high.” He warned that this trend could be particularly problematic for the parties in power, as a considerable proportion of their voters no longer support the cabinet’s performance.