The AfD’s seven-point lead over the CDU-CSU deepens the pressure on Germany’s embattled chancellor. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s satisfaction rating has fallen to 10%, the lowest recorded for a chancellor in the history of ARD’s DeutschlandTrend survey, which began in 1997. The poll, conducted among 1,303 eligible voters from September 28 to 30, found that 88% were dissatisfied with Merz’s performance. Support for his conservative CDU-CSU bloc slipped one percentage point to 20%, while the far-right AfD remained ahead on 27%. The figures follow major CDU losses in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD won 43.8% in the September 6 state election but fell short of a parliamentary majority. With the AfD holding 39 of 83 seats, negotiations over a new state government remain unresolved. The SPD, Greens, Left and BSW are discussing possible alternatives, including a nonpartisan minister-president, while the CDU says it intends to remain in opposition.
