Germany's SPD will struggle to emerge from low point

Subject

Germany's Social Democrats.

Significance

Following two humbling defeats in the latest round of state elections in March 2016, the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), junior partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government, hit an all-time low in the national polls at 20% in May.

Impacts

• The pressure on the party leadership may make the SPD a less predictable coalition partner for Merkel.
• Over the coming year the CDU may explore the option of forming a government with the Greens after the 2017 election, replacing the SPD.
• The SPD may benefit from CDU attempts to win back some right-wing voters ahead of the election.