October 14, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Oct. 14, 2004 - The coalition of the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) is still the top political organization in Germany, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for the alliance in the next election to the Federal Diet.

(CPOD) Oct. 14, 2004 - The coalition of the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) is still the top political organization in Germany, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for the alliance in the next election to the Federal Diet.

The ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) of chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is in second place with 29 per cent, followed by the Green Party (Grune), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS).

This week, CDU member Friedrich Merz sent a resignation letter to party leader Angela Merkel. Merz—the CDU's deputy parliamentary chief—will step down at the end of the year. The next parliamentary ballot is tentatively scheduled for September 2006.

Polling Data

What party would you support in Germany's next federal election?

	Oct. 2004	Aug. 2004
Christian-Democratic Union Bavarian Christian-Social (CDU-CSU)	40%	42%
Social Democratic Party (SPD)	29%	26%
Green Party (Grune)	12%	13%
Free Democratic Party (FDP)	8%	8%
Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS)	6%	7%

Source: Forsa / Stern / RTL
Methodology: Interviews to 2,509 German adults, conducted from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2004. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent.