German voters prioritize economy over migration as ruling party support erodes
A new Forsa poll shows support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats falling to 24%, trailing the far-right AfD at 26%, amid growing public concern over Germany’s worsening economic outlook.
- Europe
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 02:53 | 05 November 2025
Support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats fell to 24% in a new poll published Wednesday, marking further erosion in standing of the ruling coalition.
The Forsa survey, conducted for RTL and Ntv broadcasters, showed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 26%, maintaining its position as the country's strongest party.
The co-ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) ranked third with 14%, gaining one point. The survey results indicate that if elections were held this Sunday, the Christian Democrats and SPD would not win enough votes to form a government.
The declining support comes as economic concerns dominate the political landscape. According to the poll, 60% of Germans now view the economy as the country's biggest problem—up six percentage points from early October and more than double the proportion who cite migration as their primary concern.
A majority of 68% do not believe the current government will succeed in improving business conditions and strengthening Germany's economic position. Only 17% of Germans think Merz's CDU/CSU alliance can solve the country's problems, while just 6% have confidence in the SPD's ability to address major issues.
- Major incident declared after severe flooding hits parts of Wales
- Spain, Oman formalize closer relations through int'l treaty, multiple MoUs
- Türkiye, Finland back stronger NATO, EU cooperation in Helsinki talks
- Germany vows to go ahead ‘with facilitating the repatriation’ of Syrian refugees
- ‘Bring Sami home immediately’: Family of UK journalist detained in US