Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader and Union's chancellor candidate, has recently seen a slight rise in approval following his contentious migration policy stance. Despite national protests and collaboration with AfD votes, the ZDF 'Politbarometer' indicates a two-point increase, bringing his preference to 32%. This uptick comes amidst heated debates around his migration policy, which has stirred significant political rifts, especially with the churches and within the Union.
Merz's approach to migration, advocating stricter regulations, has maintained the Union's stable lead in polls despite controversies. His acceptance of AfD support for legislative proposals has sparked criticism from various quarters, yet it hasn't drastically altered the Union's position in the polls, sitting at 30%.
The political landscape remains polarized, with the SPD and Greens trailing and the AfD securing a substantial 20%. The debate over migration continues to be a pivotal issue, influencing voter sentiment as Germany approaches the 2025 Bundestag elections. Meanwhile, Merkel's critique of Merz and the ongoing tension with churches highlight the fractures within German political discourse, emphasizing the complexity of coalition dynamics and party alliances. The outcome of these tensions remains to be seen as the election date nears.
