Support for Friedrich Merz’s alliance plunges as voters grow tired of stalled talks and political silence in Berlin.

Germany’s political landscape took a dramatic turn this week. The latest INSA Sunday poll shows the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, has fallen to just 24% support. This puts the alliance in a tie with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has gained ground and reached a record high.

This marks the first time that the CDU/CSU and the AfD have shared the top spot in a national poll. It’s a major blow for Merz and his party. Just over a month ago, the CDU/CSU won 28.5% of the vote in the February 23 federal election. The new numbers reflect a steep drop of 4.5 points.

Public Frustration Grows as Coalition Talks Stall

Experts say the sharp drop in support is due to slow progress in forming a new government. Talks between parties have dragged on for weeks with no clear outcome. Many Germans are growing frustrated with what they see as political inaction.

INSA polling chief Hermann Binkert said the drop in support for the CDU/CSU is “unprecedented” between an election and the start of a new government. The latest poll surveyed 1,206 people between March 31 and April 4, with a margin of error of ±2.9%.

Meanwhile, the AfD has gained one percentage point since the last poll, bringing its support to an all-time high of 24%. This signals growing public anger with the political establishment.

Parties Struggle to Form a Majority

The poll also shows that no party or simple alliance can form a government alone. The SPD, the center-left Social Democrats, remains stuck at 16%, far below what is needed to lead a new coalition. The Greens have slipped to 11%, and The Left has surprisingly risen to 11%, though both still lack the numbers to govern on their own or together.

Smaller parties continue to fall below the 5% minimum needed to enter parliament, limiting coalition options even further.

This unclear picture has created a deadlock in German politics. It raises concerns about how key laws, especially on issues like the economy and national security, will pass in the new Bundestag.

Bundestag Session Called Off, Opposition Outraged

In a move that has sparked intense backlash, the CDU/CSU and SPD cancelled the next Bundestag session. It was scheduled for next week but will no longer take place. This decision drew sharp criticism from all opposition parties—AfD, Greens, and The Left.

The AfD accused the CDU/CSU of ducking accountability. Party parliamentary secretary Bernd Baumann said the AfD planned to introduce motions based on the CDU/CSU’s own campaign promises. “They are afraid of debate and afraid of being called out,” he said.

The Greens were also angry, calling the cancellation “a dangerous delay in critical times.” The Left described it as “an insult to voters,” stressing that serious issues—like rising global tensions and U.S. tariff threats—require urgent attention.

Government Without Strength

The current Bundestag first met on March 25. Just days earlier, the outgoing parliament passed major spending bills for infrastructure and defense. These laws received a two-thirds majority thanks to a temporary alliance between the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens.

But that supermajority no longer exists. The new makeup of parliament is much more divided. Passing similar laws now would be far more difficult.

This weak balance of power leaves Germany in a fragile state. Without strong leadership or a clear governing majority, the country may struggle to act decisively at home or abroad.

More Than Just a Drop in Poll Numbers

The political crisis runs deeper than just poll numbers. It reflects a growing disconnect between leaders and the people. Many voters feel ignored. They want progress, not stalled talks and cancelled sessions.

For Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU, the pressure is now higher than ever. Voters are demanding action, and the far-right AfD is gaining from the vacuum left behind.

The current situation also raises big questions about how Germany will navigate key global challenges. This includes threats of US tariffs on European goods, economic shifts, climate goals, and global security.

What’s Next for Germany?

It is still unclear what kind of government will form. Without new energy and fresh compromise, Germany may be headed toward more instability.

The coming days and weeks will be critical. If leaders fail to respond to public demands, more voters may turn to extreme parties like the AfD.

This could reshape German politics for years to come.