Discusses adjustments, improvements, and enhanced spirits, as per Merz's discourse
After 100 days in office, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing significant challenges in winning over the German public. According to a recent Forsa poll commissioned by RTL/ntv, only around 29-30% of respondents express satisfaction with his performance, while a strong majority—around 60-67%—are dissatisfied [1][3].
The decline in Merz's approval rating is notable, as it has dropped since he took office in May 2025. This record low was observed just before the 100-day mark [1][3].
Regional differences are also evident, with approval being particularly low in eastern Germany (around 20%), while the western states show moderately higher satisfaction (31%) [2]. This contrasts with the early approval ratings of Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who enjoyed higher early approval (43%) [3].
Merz's leadership has coincided with rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which recently became the most popular party in some polls with about 26% support [1][2][4]. The AfD has gained ground, especially in former East Germany regions, where dissatisfaction with Merz is highest [2][4].
Public confidence in the government’s ability to effectively handle Germany’s crises—including immigration reform, economic challenges, and social infrastructure—is low, with only 19% believing the CDU/CSU government can manage current problems effectively [1][5].
Despite the challenges, Merz is working to ensure that modern industries, including AI, have a location in Germany. He also asserts that living conditions in Germany are being improved and that Germany is once again a reliable partner in Europe and worldwide [6].
Moreover, Merz claims Germany is investing again, with a 500 billion euro fund for infrastructure and climate protection being invested in Germany [7]. He states that the economic transition and corrections to migration policy have begun [8].
However, the coalition is experiencing significant tensions, particularly due to the failed appointment of a judge to the Federal Constitutional Court in July [9]. The alliance is divided on issues such as the reduction of the electricity tax and Israel policy [10].
In summary, after 100 days, Friedrich Merz’s crisis management skills are widely questioned by the German public, as reflected in his historically low approval ratings and comparative dissatisfaction with his predecessor’s early tenure. His leadership has coincided with rising support for the far-right AfD, further underscoring a perceived failure to address major crises effectively [1][2][3][4].
Sources:
[1] ntv.de, mba/AFP [2] Spiegel Online [3] Forsa Poll Results [4] ARD [5] ZDF [6] Merz's Speeches and Interviews [7] German Government Press Release [8] Merz's Speeches and Interviews [9] German Parliament Proceedings [10] German Political News Outlets
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive related to the political crisis surrounding Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as public dissatisfaction with his performance continues to grow. This general-news issue is significant, given the declining approval ratings of Merz, which have been historically low, and the concurrent rise in support for far-right parties such as Alternative for Germany (AfD).
