Who is who in German federal election

Christian Democrats. Centre-right alliance of Angela Merkel’s CDU and Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) faces serious challenge from right for first time in post-war history

Social Democrats (SPD). Support for centre-left party surged when former European Parliament president Martin Schulz launched his campaign, but it now trails badly

The Left (Linke). Party with roots in communist East Germany – led by polarising figure Sahra Wagenknecht and co-chairman Dietmar Bartsh – is least likely to be part of governing coalition

Greens (Grüne). Support has dropped to single digits this year but co-chairs Katrin Göring- Eckardt and Cem Özdemir could be kingmakers in coalition with Merkel’s CDU

Liberal Free Democratic party (FDP). Junior coalition partner in Merkel’s second term. Could return to parliament – and possibly government – under new leader Christian Lindner

Alternative for Germany (AfD). Despite infighting, remains on course to be first far-right party to enter Bundestag since World War II. Lead candidates are Alice Weidel and Alexander Gauland

PREDICTED SHARE OF BUNDESTAG SEATS (%)
36.5 CDU- CSU
23.5 SPD
11 AfD
10.5 The Left
9 FDP
6 Greens

INSA survey of 2,054 people between Sep 8-11. Margin of error ± 2.5 points

Sources: INSA Institute, Bild, FT Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS