Revised Article:
German Perspective on Chancellor Merz's Foreign Policy Approach - German Perspectives on Chancellor Merz's Foreign Policy
The German Public's Take on Chancellor Merz's International Stance
approx 1 min read
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is gearing up for his meeting with US President Trump at the G7 summit in Canada. Post his successful visit to the White House, Merz has been making a strong impression, positioning himself as a solid German representative on the world stage.
A recent Forsa survey, commissioned by stern and RTL, shows that 56% of voters across all parties approve of Merz's international presentation, while 33% disapprove, and 11% remain neutral.
Support for Friedrich Merz Transcends Party Lines
Merz's approval extends beyond his own CDU/CSU base (89% approval), with significant backing from SPD (75%) and Green (71%) supporters. AfD voters, however, are the primary critics (69%).
World leaders have had their challenges navigating Trump's unpredictability, but Merz has earned Trump's praise. Germany's economic power status in Europe gives Merz a strong bargaining position he's utilizing effectively. Predicting a positive relationship with Trump, Merz seems to be holding true to his word so far.
Conducted before the G7 summit ( until June 17), this Forsa survey provides insight into public opinion as Merz and Trump prepare to meet again.
A Glimpse into Federal Politics
Sign up for our capital newsletter - stay informed about the week's most critical information, handpicked by our Berlin politics experts!
The data collected by Forsa for stern and RTL Germany on June 12 and 13 suggests that Germans are increasingly supportive of Merz’s stance on defense spending and debt, indicating a shift in traditional military and fiscal attitudes in Germany. Public trust in Merz's foreign and security policy direction is marked by readiness to back constitutional amendments for increased defense spending, overriding the debt brake if necessary[4][5].
This shift indicates growing public support for stronger defense and financial integration in response to current challenges. However, despite this consensus, internal political tensions and Europe's fragmentation pose challenges to achieving full national unity on foreign policy[1][4].
Overall, the Forsa survey reflects a significant public shift in attitudes toward defense and fiscal policies, endorsing Merz’s foreign policy approach, particularly his efforts to strengthen Germany’s and Europe’s strategic autonomy and defense capabilities[4].
- The findings of the Forsa survey, conducted for stern and RTL Germany, indicate that the revised community policy under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, particularly his stance on defense spending and debt, is receiving increasing support from the German public.
- Moreover, the survey reveals that the general news about Merz's foreign and security policy direction, including his approaches to strengthen Germany's and Europe's strategic autonomy and defense capabilities, is generating positive responses in the context of policy-and-legislation and politics.
