(02/10/10) -

Coalition Partner FDP Stumbles in Germany

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The junior partner in Germany’s governing coalition is struggling to maintain public support, according to a poll by FG Wahlen released by ZDF. Only 10 per cent of respondents would vote for the conservative Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the next election to the Federal Diet, down two points since early December.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The junior partner in Germany’s governing coalition is struggling to maintain public support, according to a poll by FG Wahlen released by ZDF. Only 10 per cent of respondents would vote for the conservative Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the next election to the Federal Diet, down two points since early December.

The ruling Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) remain in first place with 37 per cent, up two points. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is second place with 26 per cent, followed by the Green Party (Grune) with 12 per cent. The FDP and the Left Party (Linke) are tied with 10 per cent.

In November 2005, CDU leader Angela Merkel was sworn in as Germany’s first female head of government following a federal election. Her "Grand Coalition" administration featured members of the CDU, CSU and SPD.

In September 2009, German voters participated in a new federal election. Final results gave the CDU-CSU 33.8 per cent of the vote and 239 seats, followed by the SPD with 23 per cent and 146 mandates. This time, Merkel invited the FDP to form a government. FDP leader Guido Westerwelle serves as foreign minister.

On Feb. 8, Westerwelle said that the German government supports the idea of renouncing its national armed forces in favour of a continental force, saying, "The long term goal is the establishment of a European army."

Polling Data

What party would you vote for in the next federal election?