Germany's CDU/CSU hits lowest support since 2021 as AfD gains ground

A shrinking lead for Merkel's successors sparks political tension. Meanwhile, voters demand tougher protections—will this reshape Germany's future?

, and Administrator

2026 February 27 . 5:06 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of the city of Polle, Germany, with a river running through it. The map... — The image shows an old map of the city of Polle, Germany, with a river running through it. The map is detailed, showing the streets, buildings, and other features of the area.

Germany's CDU/CSU hits lowest support since 2021 as AfD gains ground

Support for Germany's CDU/CSU has fallen to its lowest level since late 2021. Recent polls from February 2026 show the party at 26%, down from 26.1% in the 2025 federal election. The shift reflects a broader change in voter sentiment ahead of potential future elections.

If a federal election were held now, the CDU/CSU would still lead with 26% of the vote. However, the far-right AfD has closed the gap, reaching 24%. The SPD follows with 15%, while the Greens and the Left Party stand at 12% and 11% respectively. Smaller parties combined would account for the remaining 12%.

The decline for the CDU/CSU marks a drop of over three percentage points since the 2025 election. This slide brings their support to levels last seen in December 2021.

Beyond party politics, a separate survey revealed strong public backing for stricter social security rules. A clear majority—81% of respondents—support banning children and adolescents under 14 from using social media platforms.

The latest figures highlight a tightening race between the CDU/CSU and the AfD. With the governing party's support shrinking, the political landscape appears increasingly competitive. Meanwhile, the push for stricter social media regulations shows widespread public concern over youth online activity.