SPD Retain Lead In Poll As Merkel Campaigns Heavily For CDU

The latest federal election opinion poll from FGW shows the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) retaining a lead over the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

• Forschungsgruppe Wahlen poll: SPD-S&D: 25%, CDU/CSU-EPP: 22%, GRÜNE-G/EFA: 16% (-1), AfD-ID: 11%, FDP-RE: 11%, LINKE-LEFT: 6%. +/- vs. 7-9 Sep. Fieldwork: 14-16 September 2021. Sample size: 1,406
• Direct Election of Chancellor [Head of Government] Scholz (SPD-S&D): 48%, Laschet (CDU-EPP): 22% (+1), Baerbock (GRÜNE-G/EFA): 15% (-1). +/- vs. 7-9 Sep. Fieldwork: 14-16 September 2021. Sample size: 1,406
• Most important issues (name two): Environment and Climate: 47% (+3), Corona: 28% (-6), Migration: 13% (+3), Social Inequality: 12% (+2). +/- vs. Aug. Fieldwork: 14-16 September 2021. Sample size: 1,406
• The stark prospect of losing its position as largest party in the Bundestag has spurred the CDU and its Bavarian sister party the CSU into action, drafting in Chancellor Angela Merkel to campaign alongside CDU chancellor candidate Armin Laschet.
• Initially, Merkel had not planned to be heavily involved in campaigning as she steps back from the political limelight. However, this stance has come to an abrupt halt with the CDU's support tanking in recent weeks. The CDU will hope that Merkel's popularity (she remains the most popular political figure in Germany) can rub off on Laschet, but there is precious little time for the polls to show a sharp reversal in fortunes for the CDU.