German Coalition Faces Gridlock as SPD Sinks Toward Single Digits in Polls

While media scrutiny remains heavily focused on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU, political analysts emphasize that the critical vulnerability lies with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which risks sliding into single digits in nationwide polling.
Now battling for its long-term political survival, the SPD has taken an increasingly uncompromising stance within the grand coalition, heightening internal friction and complicating governance.
Observers warn that this governing paralysis and mainstream fragmentation ultimately benefit the Alternative for Germany (AfD), cementing the party's momentum across the political landscape.