Leadership Struggles and Declining Support Shake Germany's CDU and SPD

Germany's two major political parties, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), are facing significant internal challenges amid falling voter support in 2026.

In the CDU, discontent is mounting, particularly in eastern Germany. Bernd Prange, a CDU village leader from Saxony-Anhalt, has publicly questioned the party's direction and leadership, controversially suggesting that members who disagree should leave and even expressing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among CDU members about the party's alignment with the SPD, with the CDU's national approval rating plummeting to about 20%. Former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel pointed to "anger and fear" as key factors driving voters toward the AfD, highlighting the volatile political atmosphere the CDU faces.

Meanwhile, the SPD contends with its own leadership crisis. Party leader and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is under heavy scrutiny both from party insiders and the public, with a YouGov poll revealing that 47% of SPD supporters consider Klingbeil and co-leader Bärbel Bas unsuitable for their roles. Calls are growing within the SPD for a special party convention to reconsider leadership, as figures like Orkan Özdemir argue the party needs a reset amid its dwindling popularity, currently at only 12%. Despite the mounting criticism and calls for change, Klingbeil has maintained his position, emphasizing normalcy in internal debates while avoiding high-profile campaign events in favor of smaller gatherings.

Both parties' struggles come at a critical time ahead of state elections. The CDU grapples with fears of political decline tied to critical member dissatisfaction, particularly in eastern regions, while the SPD faces leadership doubts coupled with dismal approval ratings. These developments have profound implications for Germany's political stability and the future direction of its major parties.