The Schulz effect – the German Social Democrats are gaining popularity

Three polls conducted since Martin Schulz was chosen as the SPD’s candidate for chancellor suggest that this choice has significantly boosted support for this party. In one of the polls (INSA), support for the Social Democrats was even 1 percentage point higher than for the Christian Democrats. In turn, according to the poll conducted by DeutschlandTrend at the beginning of every month, commissioned by ARD television, if the chancellor were elected in a direct election, Schulz would clearly beat Angela Merkel, garnering 50% of the votes (Merkel – 34%).

Half of the respondents also want the Social Democrats to lead a future government (CDU/CSU – 39%). However, in the case of the question concerning government coalitions, most respondents would still choose the CDU/CSU-SPD grand coalition (43%). The CDU/CSU-Green Party coalition was the second most popular option, with a 36% support. 33% backed the SPD-Green Party-Left Party coalition, 31% the SPD-Green Party-FDP coalition and 28% the CDU/CSU-Green Party-FDP coalition.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Schulz – the SPD candidate for the position of chancellor http://www.europeansources.info/record/schulz-the-spd-candidate-for-the-position-of-chancellor/

ESO: Background information: Just how strong a contender is Schulz? http://www.europeansources.info/record/just-how-strong-a-contender-is-schulz-what-policies-will-spd-candidate-schulz-pursue/

---