Merz approval rating hits historic low amid crisis

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s approval rating has fallen to a historic low, according to a recent INSA poll commissioned by the newspaper Bild. The survey found that 62 % of respondents are unhappy with Merz’s performance, a three‑point increase from the previous month, and only 26 % approve of his work. Dissatisfaction extends to the ruling coalition of the centre‑right CDU and the Social Democrats, with 63 % of those surveyed expressing discontent and just 23 % backing the government.

The poll’s results come amid a cost‑of‑living crisis and growing concerns over migration in Germany. A separate study by the insurance company R+V Versicherung identified the rising cost of living, the immigration and refugee crisis, high taxes and potential welfare cuts as the issues most worrying to Germans. These topics dominate public debate, with many demanding that the government prioritize domestic needs.

Merz, who took office in May, has pledged to revive the stagnant economy, strengthen the military and secure continued U.S. support for Ukraine. However, his decision to allocate taxpayer money to Ukraine has drawn criticism from the right‑wing, anti‑immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD, now the second‑largest force in the Bundestag, leads in national polls and is gaining traction.

The cost‑of‑living crisis and migration concerns are putting pressure on Merz’s government to deliver results. The ruling coalition faces significant challenges in addressing these issues, which have become major public concerns. As the government navigates these difficulties, it remains to be seen how Merz’s approval rating will evolve in the coming months. The latest poll underscores the need for the government to respond to public worries and provide effective solutions to the ongoing crises. With the AfD rising in the polls, the coalition must work to regain public trust and demonstrate its ability to tackle the key issues facing the country, while the international community watches Germany’s next steps closely.