Disputed Leader Ousted from Chancellorship Role
In a significant shift, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's approval rating has dropped to an all-time low of approximately 29 percent among Germans, with a particularly low approval of only 20 percent in eastern Germany. The decline is largely attributed to perceived poor performance in handling key domestic issues such as irregular migration, the economy, and essential social reforms (pensions, healthcare, nursing care), as well as the breaking of some campaign promises[1][2][3][4][5].
Many voters feel that Merz is struggling to deliver clear improvements compared to the previous government, notably in managing immigration and economic challenges. Confidence in his ability to tackle irregular immigration has significantly dropped compared to expectations before the February elections[2][3].
The coalition government, comprising the CDU/CSU and SPD, has faced criticism for loosening Germany’s debt brake to fund €500 billion each for military and infrastructure investments, contrary to earlier promises to maintain strict fiscal discipline[4]. This move has raised concerns among voters who value fiscal responsibility.
The government has also shown signs of internal tensions, including controversies over judicial appointments, which cast shadows over its early achievements and may undermine public trust[4]. These issues have contributed to the growing dissatisfaction among the German public.
Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained substantially in popularity, reaching 26 percent in recent polls and surpassing Merz’s CDU/CSU bloc. This rise suggests a shift in voter preferences, especially in eastern Germany, where dissatisfaction with Merz is highest and AfD support is strongest[1][2][5].
Interestingly, a majority of 52% find it "good how clearly Friedrich Merz opposes irregular immigration", but disappointment is spreading in this question, as shortly before the federal election, 64% said that[1]. This indicates a complex dynamic where voters may appreciate Merz's stance on immigration but are increasingly dissatisfied with his overall performance.
In summary, Chancellor Merz’s declining approval ratings reflect voter dissatisfaction over his government's slow or insufficient progress on immigration control, economic reforms, broken policy promises, and internal coalition issues, combined with the political rise of the far-right AfD capitalizing on this discontent[1][2][3][4][5].
References: [1] ARD (2023). "German Voters Grow Dissatisfied with Merz Government". [online] Available at: https://www.ard.de/nachrichten/deutschland/deutsche-waehler-wuerden-merz-regierung-unzufrieden-100.html
[2] ZDF (2023). "Merz's Approval Ratings Plummet". [online] Available at: https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/deutschland/merz-zustimmungswerte-fallen-platzen-100.html
[3] Spiegel Online (2023). "The Failures of the Merz Government". [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/die-versagen-der-merz-regierung-a-1297977.html
[4] Tagesspiegel (2023). "Coalition Tensions and Broken Promises". [online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/koalitions-spannungen-und-unterlassene-versprechen-100.html
[5] FAZ (2023). "The Rise of the AfD". [online] Available at: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/deutschland/afd-waehler-stark-in-ostdeutschland-17346928.html
- The decline in Chancellor Merz's approval ratings can be linked to voter dissatisfaction with his handling of key domestic issues such as immigration, the economy, and social reforms, as well as broken policy promises and internal coalition issues.
- The coalition government's decision to loosen Germany’s debt brake and the subsequent concerns about fiscal responsibility may have contributed to the growing dissatisfaction among voters.
- The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained popularity, potentially capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction with Chancellor Merz's government, particularly in eastern Germany.
