Union's Strongest Poll Results in Years Amidst Leadership Decisions

The Union parties (CDU/CSU) have achieved their highest poll results in three and a half years, rising to 33% according to the Insa-Sonntagstrend. The AfD follows as the second strongest force with 19%, while the SPD has fallen to 14%. The Greens remain steady at 10%, and the FDP sits at 4%. Collectively, the three governing parties have reached their lowest level since December 2021, totaling 28%.

A majority of respondents in the survey believe Friedrich Merz, the anticipated Union candidate for chancellor, is more competent than current Chancellor Olaf Scholz in eight out of ten policy areas. However, 48% of those surveyed prefer neither Merz nor Scholz as chancellor.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has indicated an impending decision on the Union's chancellor candidacy for the next federal election. While Merz is seen as the frontrunner, potential competition from CSU leader Markus Söder and NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst remains. The final decision is expected after the upcoming Brandenburg state election, following a structured timetable agreed upon by the CDU and CSU leadership. The clarity on this matter is eagerly awaited as it will significantly impact the Union's strategy moving forward.