Poll shock: 62% of Germans dissatisfied with Merz’s leadership

According to a joint survey by the INSA institute and Bild newspaper, 62% of Germans are unhappy with the performance of Chancellor Friedrich Merz — an increase of three percentage points compared to last month.

The poll also found that 63% are dissatisfied with the performance of the ruling center-right coalition of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats. Only 26% approved of Merz’s performance, while 23% expressed support for the government.

A separate study, recently published by the insurance company R+V Versicherung, showed that Germans are most concerned about rising living costs, the migration and refugee crisis, as well as high taxes and a possible decline in social welfare.

Merz, who took office in Berlin in May, pledged to revive Germany’s economy, strengthen the military, and secure continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

However, the right-wing, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has sharply criticized Berlin’s decision to allocate taxpayer money to Ukraine instead of addressing domestic needs. The AfD is currently the second-largest force in the Bundestag and is leading in national polls.