Friedrich Merz Seen as Likely Next German Chancellor, Polls Suggest
With the CDU/CSU leading polls ahead of February elections, a majority of Germans expect Merz to form the next government, though coalition possibilities remain uncertain.
- A Forsa survey indicates 66% of Germans believe Friedrich Merz, CDU leader, will become the next chancellor, with support across party lines, including SPD and Green voters.
- Current polls show CDU/CSU at 31%, maintaining a lead over other parties, while the SPD has gained slightly to 17%, and the AfD remains the second strongest at 20%.
- Markus Söder, CSU leader, has ruled out a coalition with the Greens, citing fundamental disagreements on migration policy, limiting the Union's potential partners to SPD or other smaller parties.
- The dissolution of the Bundestag following Olaf Scholz's failed confidence vote has led to early elections scheduled for February 23, 2025.
- Coalition scenarios suggest a CDU/CSU and SPD partnership (48% combined) as the most viable option, while CDU/CSU and Green support (43%) would likely fall short of a majority.
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