Anti-government forces anticipate a span of 100 days under Merz's leadership
In the past 100 days, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced a challenging start to his tenure, marked by low public approval, criticism from opposition parties, and significant policy actions amid coalition tensions.
Merz's approval ratings are historically low for a German chancellor, with satisfaction polling as low as 29-32% nationwide, even lower in eastern Germany (~20%). This contrasts with former chancellors like Merkel and Schröder, who enjoyed above 60% approval at the same stage. The poor ratings reflect widespread public mistrust and dissatisfaction.
Opposition parties, including the far-right AfD, have leveraged the coalition’s visible dysfunction and policy disputes as ammunition. Some critics argue the coalition government formed between Merz’s CDU/CSU and the SPD is so dysfunctional it ironically serves AfD’s interests by undermining democratic stability. The AfD has notably capitalized on the government’s troubles, becoming Germany’s most popular party in recent polls amid this turmoil.
Despite this, the coalition has enacted several significant policy changes. They have loosened Germany's constitutional "debt brake" to allow increased borrowing for defense and infrastructure, implemented sweeping changes in security, economic, and migration policies, and passed packages on economic growth, pensions, construction, and migration policy early on. However, attempts at energy transition reforms have faced delays and uncertainty, with critics highlighting a lack of clear direction and internal disputes hampering progress.
Merz himself has been active on the international stage, receiving a warm reception from former US President Trump and participating prominently in NATO and European affairs. However, his blunt communication style, including controversial remarks on international issues, has drawn criticism.
The Bundestag refused Merz a vote of confidence in the first round, a first in the history of the house. This refusal was followed by statements of disappointment from the Greens and criticism from the AfD, who accused the coalition of spending money lavishly, prioritizing migrants, left-wing NGOs, and Ukraine over citizens.
The Greens are dissatisfied with the failed judge election, while the AfD is hoping for a breakup of the Merz cabinet. Heidi Reichinnek, the Left Party faction leader, criticized the handling of a candidate for the Federal Constitutional Court as a cause for concern about the continuation of the black-red coalition. The AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla have expressed clear criticism of the government coalition, claiming it is a continuation of decline rather than the promised change.
In summary, while the Merz government has initiated several major policy shifts, it is plagued by internal coalition disputes, declining public trust, and strong opposition criticism, particularly from the AfD, which has gained popularity amid the government's perceived dysfunction.
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