Federal Government under Merz's 100-day assessment: A review of accomplishments and challenges
The new German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has completed its first 100 days in office. This period has been marked by a mixed and challenging journey, as the government strives to improve the national mood, a promise made during the election campaign.
While Merz has asserted Germany’s role as a strong international partner and taken steps in foreign policy, the domestic front tells a different story. The government is currently grappling with low public satisfaction, political discord, and issues in policy delivery.
Polls show only about 28% of Germans are satisfied with the government’s work, with 69% dissatisfied. Many view Merz’s communication style as unconvincing, and only around a quarter trust him personally. This signals a national mood that has not notably improved and may have worsened.
The government's coalition has pushed through changes in security, economic, and migration policies, but internal disputes—especially over judicial appointments and social policy topics like gendering—have stirred controversy and reduced confidence in governance.
Expectations that Merz’s government would quickly resolve energy transition uncertainties and provide planning security for companies have largely fallen short. Gaffes in political management, controversial moves like easing some borrowing limits, and slow tangible improvements have contributed to public frustration.
However, Merz has emphasized Germany’s role as a strong partner on the world stage, strengthening European alliances, continuing support for Ukraine, and engaging on Middle East peace efforts. This has been a relative success in the government’s initial period, restoring some international resolve and influence.
Despite governmental efforts, citizens remain worried about the economy and their personal finances, with promised infrastructure investments and digitalization improvements not yet felt broadly.
In sum, while Chancellor Merz has made strides in foreign policy and set ambitious domestic goals, the first 100 days reveal a government still grappling with internal divisions, public scepticism, and sluggish policy impact, limiting its ability to uplift the national mood as initially promised.
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The new German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has faced challenges in its domestic front, grappling with low public satisfaction, political discord, and issues in policy delivery. (politics, domestic front, policy-and-legislation)
Polls show only about 28% of Germans are satisfied with the government’s work, with 69% dissatisfied, and many view Merz’s communication style as unconvincing. (general-news, public, communication style)
