(07/08/10) -

SDP Closing in on Merkels Conservatives in Germany

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The popularity of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) is increasing, according to a poll by Infratest-Dimap released by ARD. 30 per cent of respondents would vote for the opposition SDP in the next election to the Federal Diet, up two points since mid-May.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The popularity of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) is increasing, according to a poll by Infratest-Dimap released by ARD. 30 per cent of respondents would vote for the opposition SDP in the next election to the Federal Diet, up two points since mid-May.

The ruling Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and its associate Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) remain in first place with 33 per cent. The Green Party (Grune) is third with 17 per cent, followed by the Left Party (Linke) with 10 per cent, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) with five 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 Jul. 7, the government adopted budget cuts worth about $13 billion U.S. for the period between 2011 through 2014. German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble explained the decision, saying, "This budget and the mid-term spending plan are heavily influenced by the banking and economic crisis of the last couple of years. We’re setting out to scale back the excessive deficits and ensure our economic development is sustainable."

Polling Data

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