(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) are keeping the top spot in Germany’s political scene, according to a poll by Infratest-Dimap. 41 per cent of respondents would back either of the two conservative parties in the next election to the Federal Diet, up one point since early October.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is second with 28 per cent, followed by the Left Party (Linke) with 10 per cent, the Green Party (Grune) also with 10 per cent, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) with seven per cent.

Official results from the September 2005 election to the Federal Diet gave the CDU and the CSU 226 seats, with the SPD a close second with 222 legislators. Neither of the two main parties was able to assemble a coalition government with their preferred partners. In November 2005, CDU leader Angela Merkel was sworn in as Germany’s first female head of government. The current administration includes members of the CDU, CSU and SPD.

Some analysts believe tensions are growing between the partners in the governing "Grand Coalition". On Oct. 16, Kurt Beck was re-elected as the SPD’s leader, meaning he will likely face Merkel in the legislative ballot expected to take place in 2009. Following his election, Beck accused the chancellor of utilizing his party’s ideals of social equality for her own gain, declaring, "We can only say: Welcome, Ms. Merkel, when you say what we have long advocated: that all people should have a share in what has been earned. (...) But I can offer a reminder that a few things are copyrighted."

Polling Data

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

Archive Search

Over 19,500 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.