NRW poll shows CDU slump, AfD ties SPD and growing infrastructure concerns

A new Infratest dimap poll (the “NRW‑Trend”) commissioned by the WDR‑Magazin Westpol shows the governing CDU‑SPD coalition losing ground ahead of the 2027 state election. The CDU, led by Minister‑President Hendrik Wüst, drops to 32 % – three points lower than in early February – while the SPD falls to 17 %, also down three points. The AfD rises to 17 % (its best value in the series), tying with the SPD for second place, and the Greens increase to 15 %. The FDP regains entry to the Landtag with 5 % and the Left remains at 6 %.

Public satisfaction with the state government and with Wüst declines sharply: only 42 % are satisfied with the government (down six points) and 53 % are dissatisfied; satisfaction with Wüst himself falls to 42 % (down three points) with 40 % now dissatisfied. Voters now rank transport and infrastructure as the top issue (31 % of respondents), overtaking migration, followed by education (24 %). One‑third of employed respondents say bridge closures and traffic disruptions severely affect their daily routine.

Separately, leaders of NRW’s districts warned that municipal finances are under severe strain, citing a 2025 deficit of about €30 bn nationwide and over €9 bn in NRW alone. They called for stronger federal‑state support and reforms to the financing of social services.

Overall, the poll reflects shifting voter priorities, weakening support for the incumbent parties, and growing concern over infrastructure and fiscal sustainability in North‑Rhine‑Westphalia.