Far-Right AfD overtakes CDU/CSU in polls as Chancellor Merz’s approval falls to record low
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has overtaken Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats in public support, according to a new RTL/ntv poll released on Tuesday.
The survey shows the AfD at 26%, up one percentage point from last week, while the CDU/CSU alliance slipped to 24%. The Social Democrats (SPD), the junior coalition partner, remain stagnant at 13%, more than three points down from their February election result.
The results come just as Merz’s coalition approaches its 100th day in office, raising fresh doubts over the government’s stability.
Approval ratings plummet
Public satisfaction with Chancellor Merz has dropped to 29%, the lowest since he took office in May, down sharply from 43% in early June. Disapproval rose three points to 67%.
The poll also found that only 52% of Germans believe the current coalition will last until the end of the legislative term in 2029. Meanwhile, undecided and non-voters have increased to 25% of the electorate, suggesting a growing political volatility.
