One year after taking office on May 6, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his coalition government (CDU/CSU and SPD) face unprecedented public dissatisfaction. According to the ARD-Deutschlandtrend poll, 86% of respondents are dissatisfied with the government—the worst rating for any federal government after one year since the survey began in 1997.

The chancellor had promised swift economic recovery and major reforms, but admitted that steering the country in a new direction within months is impossible. The centrist coalition has been plagued by internal conflicts and slow compromises, while the economy fails to gain momentum.

If early elections were held, the ruling coalition would lose its majority. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record high of 27% nationwide, overtaking the CDU/CSU bloc, which dropped to 24%. The SPD remains at 12%, the Greens at 15%, and the Left Party at 10%.

In the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD leads with 41% ahead of September state elections, while the incumbent CDU trails at 26%. Merz sees no alternative to the SPD coalition, but faces tough negotiations over pension and tax reforms. The SPD wants higher taxes on the wealthy, which the Union rejects.

Public confidence in the government's ability to boost the economy has plummeted from 50% in June 2025 to just 25%. Only 16% of respondents are somewhat satisfied with Merz, the lowest approval rating ever for a chancellor. Eight out of ten criticize his communication style.

On foreign policy, the German Navy is preparing two vessels for potential missions in the Mediterranean and the Strait of Hormuz. Merz has taken a firm stance against US President Donald Trump, which is supported by 80% of voters who prefer standing ground over avoiding provocation.

Source: www.dw.com