April 11, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) maintain the lead in Germany, according to a poll by Infratest-Dimap. 36 per cent of respondents would vote for either organization in the next legislative election, down one point since early March.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) maintain the lead in Germany, according to a poll by Infratest-Dimap. 36 per cent of respondents would vote for either organization in the next legislative election, down one point since early March.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is second with 31 per cent, followed by the Green Party (Grune) with 11 per cent, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) also with 11 per cent, and the Left Party (Linke) with eight 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.

Each European Union (EU) member state presides over the Council of the EU for a period of six months, in accordance with a pre-established rotation. In January, Germany took over these responsibilities from Finland. Germany is also chair of the G-8 group of industrialized countries at the moment.

On Apr. 6, Merkel discussed global warming during a conference in Brussels, declaring, "The report confirms that climate change is a fact. (...) For that reason, we need quick and determined action to limit the rise in temperatures worldwide and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide." The German chancellor said she would address the issue at the G-8 summit in June, adding, "My aim is, as far as possible, to involve all states in (taking) responsibility for climate protection."

Polling Data

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

	Apr. 4	Mar. 7	Feb. 28
Christian-Democratic Union Bavarian Christian-Social (CDU-CSU)	36%	37%	36%
Social Democratic Party (SPD)	31%	30%	31%
Green Party (Grune)	11%	11%	11%
Free Democratic Party (FDP)	11%	10%	10%
Left Party (Linke)	8%	8%	8%

Source: Infratest-Dimap
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,500 German voters, conducted from Apr. 2 to Apr. 4, 2007. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.