Overview

• In the latest ZDF Politbarometer, CDU/CSU rise to 27% (+1) and the AfD slips to 25% (−1), with the SPD at 15%, the Greens at 11%, the Left at 11% and the FDP at 3% after interviews conducted Sept. 29–Oct. 1.
• In the ARD DeutschlandTrend released the same day, the AfD hits a record 26% (+1) and ties the Union at 26% (−1), a divergence within normal survey error despite the overlapping fieldwork period.
• Only 46% now believe the federal government will make a significant contribution to boosting the economy, down from 64% in May, while 50% do not expect such an impact, the ZDF survey finds.
• Broader sentiment remains bleak, with 77% dissatisfied with the government’s performance and just 42% satisfied with how democracy functions, according to the ARD DeutschlandTrend.
• Angela Merkel labels the AfD a “menschenverachtende Partei” in a ZDF interview, and Saxony-Anhalt’s Reiner Haseloff warns about the party’s strength and urges a more positive defense of democratic institutions.