A recent INSA survey indicates that nearly half of Germans (49%) expect Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government to collapse before its 2029 term ends, according to Bild. The poll highlights a growing public discontent, with 66% of respondents rating the current administration negatively. The opposition right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become the most popular party in Germany, gaining 26% of public support, while the ruling CDU/CSU trails behind.
Merz’s government, which took power in May, has faced declining approval ratings since its formation. The current coalition, consisting of the Christian Democrats (CDU/SCU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), has seen its support erode further following the collapse of the previous traffic-light coalition with Olaf Scholz in late 2024 due to a budget crisis. This context contributes to the current political climate, where voter dissatisfaction is palpable.
In late September, an INSA survey indicated that Merz’s approval rating had reached its lowest point, with nearly two out of three Germans dissatisfied with his performance. The AfD’s recent success in North Rhine-Westphalia’s regional elections, where Merz is from, further signals a shift in public sentiment. The party secured 14.5% of the vote, marking a strong showing in the ruling coalition’s key stronghold.
Despite Merz’s pledges to revive the German economy and support Ukraine, the nation faces a structural economic crisis, as acknowledged by the chancellor in August. His admission that Germany is not just in a period of economic weakness but a structural crisis underlines the depth of the challenges the government must address. The financial implications of these issues are significant, contributing to the growing concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the current administration.