The CDU/CSU, a major political alliance in Germany, has suffered a dramatic loss in the latest poll. Their support has dropped to 24%, tying with the far-right AfD. This is the first time the AfD has reached this level of support, marking a major shift in Germany’s political scene.
A Historic Decline in Support
The CDU/CSU saw a big drop in support. In the February Bundestag election, they won 28.5% of the vote. Now, just a few months later, they have lost 4.5 percentage points. This is the biggest drop in support between an election and the formation of a government in German history.
The AfD, which had 20.8% of the vote in February, has gained ground. They now sit at 24%, matching the CDU/CSU for the first time. This change signals a shift in Germany’s political landscape. The rise of the AfD shows the growing influence of right-wing populism in the country.
Pressure on CDU Leader Friedrich Merz
The CDU leader, Friedrich Merz, is under heavy pressure. His party’s popularity is slipping. Merz was expected to become Germany’s next Federal Chancellor. But now, with his party’s support falling, his path to leadership has become uncertain.
Voters seem less confident in the CDU/CSU. This loss of support could make it harder for Merz to form a strong government. The CDU’s strategy in these tough coalition talks will be key to determining their future.
Coalition Talks in Crisis
As the CDU/CSU struggles, the SPD remains stuck at 16%. They cannot form a government alone with this level of support. The Greens have also dropped to 11%, and Die Linke is at 11% as well. Other parties have less than 5% support.
These numbers make it clear that coalition talks are in trouble. The CDU/CSU and SPD have called for the cancellation of an upcoming Bundestag session. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. The AfD, Greens, and Left Party have accused the CDU/CSU of trying to avoid tough questions.
The AfD sees the cancellation as a sign of weakness. They accuse the CDU/CSU of hiding from public scrutiny. Bernd Baumann, an AfD parliamentary secretary, said his party would bring up the issues the CDU/CSU promised during the election. They want to show the contradictions in the CDU/CSU’s position.
Opposition Reacts to the Cancellation
The Greens have also spoken out against the cancellation. They call it a “political standoff.” The party argues that it is wrong to stop important discussions, especially when there are big global issues at stake.
The Left Party also condemned the move. They called it “an affront” to democracy. They believe important debates are being blocked on purpose.
The New Bundestag Faces Challenges
The new Bundestag met for the first time on 25 March, just after the outgoing parliament approved a controversial funding package. The package needed a two-thirds majority, which was secured with support from the CDU/CSU, SPD, and the Greens. But in the new Bundestag, it will be harder to form such a majority. This leaves the government in a state of uncertainty.
The current poll results are reshaping the coalition talks. The CDU/CSU’s poor showing, along with the AfD’s rise, means that these negotiations could take a new direction. More debate is likely to follow about Merz’s leadership and the future of the government.
The Future of Germany’s Politics
The political landscape in Germany is shifting. The rise of the AfD and the decline of the CDU/CSU suggest that there are big changes ahead. As the AfD gains support, the CDU/CSU may struggle to hold onto its position as the country’s dominant party.
The coalition talks, which are already in trouble, will likely continue to shift. The CDU/CSU’s leadership under Merz will be tested in the coming weeks. The success or failure of these talks could determine the future of the German government.
The CDU/CSU faces a tough road ahead. If they cannot regain support, they could be sidelined by the rise of the AfD. The next few weeks will be important for shaping Germany’s political future.
The outcome of the coalition talks will have long-term consequences for the country. As political tensions rise, the coming days and months will be crucial for determining what direction Germany takes.