Polls Show Stability for CDU/CSU Amid Migration Debate Ahead of 2025 Bundestag Elections

As the political landscape in Germany continues to evolve, recent polling data indicates that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have maintained a stable position, achieving 30 percent support among voters. This figure comes in the wake of a significant debate surrounding migration policies, suggesting that the discussions have not adversely affected the popularity of the conservative parties.

According to the latest ZDF Politbarometer, if elections were held this Sunday, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, would likely be in a strong position to become Chancellor, assuming he can secure a coalition partner. The CDU/CSU's rise by one percentage point is mirrored by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has also gained traction, now standing at 20 percent following their endorsement of stricter migration measures proposed by Merz.

The overall polling numbers for other political parties show minimal change. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains at 15 percent, while the Greens have seen a slight increase, also reaching 15 percent. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Party of Democratic Socialism (BSW) are facing challenges, each at a precarious four percent. In contrast, the Left Party has made modest gains, now capturing six percent of voter support. These results align closely with the findings from the ARD Deutschlandtrend poll released earlier this week.

The Politbarometer also delves into public opinion regarding Merz's approach in the Bundestag, particularly his decision to incorporate support from the AfD for his migration proposal. This strategy has sparked controversy, with half of the respondents expressing concerns that such alliances could undermine democratic principles. Among CDU/CSU supporters, however, only one in five appears to share this apprehension.

As the 2025 Bundestag elections draw nearer, the dynamics of voter sentiment will continue to shift, influenced by ongoing debates on migration, economic policies, and social issues. The CDU/CSU's ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining voter support will be critical in the upcoming electoral landscape.