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It is striking that the Union does not benefit from this weakness of the federal government to the extent that one might actually expect. The frustration of many citizens ends up with the right-wing radicals. But the CDU has found its feet and has been leading the rankings as the strongest party for months with around 30 percent. Friedrich Merz was able to prevail, unite the CDU, give it a new, more recognizable profile and secure the necessary tailwind with almost 90 percent approval. And CSU leader Markus Söder has apparently realized that after the chaos of the last federal election, he will now best serve the common cause of the CDU and CSU if he holds back his ambitions.