Merkel approval rating up

Support for German chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives is at its highest level in five years, a poll showed, but the weak state of her coalition partner may complicate the formation of the next government.

The ARD-Deutschland trend survey showed Merkel’s conservatives on 40%, their best showing since late 2007, and well ahead of the main opposition Social Democrats (SPD), with 30%. Germany holds federal elections next September.

Merkel’s personal approval rating stood at 53% against 36% for the SPD’s Per Steinbrueck.

Her junior coalition partner, the liberal, pro-business Free Democrats won just 4% below the 5% threshold required to get seats in parliament.