Key result: YouGov Sunday poll shows AfD at 27%
A YouGov Sunday poll conducted from 10 to 13 April 2026 finds the AfD at 27 percent, up one point from the previous month and making it the strongest party in this survey. The CDU/CSU falls to 23 percent (down three), its lowest level since December 2021. The SPD drops to 13 percent (down one), a low not seen since December 2019.
The Greens and The Left each gain one point, at 14 and 10 percent respectively. Smaller parties register at lower single digits in this YouGov snapshot, with the FDP and BSW both at 4 percent. These numbers reflect a notable shift in voter intentions and add to a pattern seen across several recent polls.
How YouGov compares with other recent polls
The YouGov result is mirrored by several other surveys taken around the same period. While individual percentages vary, multiple polls show the AfD narrowly ahead or neck-and-neck with the CDU/CSU. This section summarizes comparable polls and highlights the common trends in polling, such as declines for the union parties and the SPD.
| Poll (field dates) | AfD | CDU/CSU | SPD | Greens | Left | FDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouGov (10-13 Apr 2026) | 27% | 23% | 13% | 14% | 10% | 4% |
| ZDF Politbarometer (14-16 Apr 2026) | 26% | 25% | 12% | 14% | 11% | 3% |
| Ipsos (27-29 Mar 2026) | 25% | 24% | 14% | 14% | 11% | 5% |
| Note | Figures rounded and taken from recent published national surveys in April 2026 or late March 2026. | |||||
Other polling organizations such as Insa and Forsa also report the AfD narrowly ahead in some snapshots, while the ARD Deutschlandtrend at one point showed the Union slightly ahead (Union 26%, AfD 25%). Overall, the trend across these surveys points to growing support for the AfD and declining figures for CDU/CSU and SPD in spring 2026.
Public mood and government response
These policy moves aim to address immediate concerns about energy prices and household budgets, but polling suggests they have not restored broad trust in the governing parties. That gap helps explain why protest and opposition parties have gained ground in recent voter-intention surveys.
Approval ratings and voter dissatisfaction
Public satisfaction with the current grand coalition has fallen sharply: 79 percent of respondents in follow-up surveys say they are dissatisfied with the black-red government. Satisfaction has been cut roughly in half since June 2025. Even among Union voters, only about 34 percent express satisfaction — a sign of eroding confidence within the government’s traditional base.
Government measures and public reaction
In response to public discontent and pressure over costs, the government announced short-term measures including a temporary energy tax cut of 17 cents per liter for two months and employer bonuses of up to €1,000. Public reaction is mixed: nearly half of respondents (about 48 percent) consider these steps insufficient or not good.
Implications for parties and the political landscape
For voters and observers, the main questions are whether the AfD’s lead is temporary or reflects a deeper shift, and whether governing parties can regain credibility by combining credible short-term relief with coherent long-term plans. The coming weeks of media coverage, debate, and any further policy announcements will be important for how these trends evolve.
Coalition arithmetic and stability
With the AfD polling at or near the top in several surveys, traditional coalition options face new pressures. The current black-red coalition would be short of a clear majority in many of these poll scenarios, which raises questions about stability and future government strategies. Parties will need to consider both short-term measures to calm voters and longer-term positioning ahead of future votes.
Outlook for the main parties
Key takeaways for each party based on the recent polling: AfD — strengthened momentum and higher voter intent; CDU/CSU — slipping support and internal pressure to respond; SPD — declining to historic lows in some surveys; Greens and The Left — modest gains; FDP — small but steady presence. Parties will likely reassess messaging on cost of living, energy policy, and trust in governance.
What voters care about now
Across the recent surveys, economic concerns — especially energy prices and household cost pressures — are dominant issues driving voter behavior. Trust in government performance and the desire for effective economic relief are central to the shifts seen in party preferences.
- Energy prices and taxes
- Household budgets and cost of living
- Trust in government competence
- Party positioning on social and economic issues
In short, polls in April 2026 show a volatile political mood in Germany, with the AfD leading in several surveys and mainstream parties facing an uphill task to regain voter confidence. Close attention to policy effectiveness and public communication will be key in the weeks ahead.
