Many deem Merz unsuitable for the position of Chancellor.

Merz's Chancellor Chances: A Mixed Bag Amidst German Public Opinion

Many deem Merz unsuitable for the position of Chancellor.

Germany's forthcoming Chancellor might find himself in hot water, as per the latest RTL/ntv-Trendbarometer. Sixty percent of Germans deem CDU leader Friedrich Merz unfit for the job. Amidst coalition talks between Union and SPD nearing their conclusion, Merz's prospects as the likely next head of government seem tainted.

Merz's suitability as Chancellor? Only 32 percent of the German public nods yes, while a resounding 60 percent says no. In the East, Merz's unsuitability percentage even surpasses that of the West. Interestingly, Merz's supporters within the CDU/CSU and Union voters from the last federal election are the only demographic with a majority that finds him suitable.

Party Preferences Remain Unchanged

Changes in party preferences have been minimal compared to the previous week. The FDP drops one percentage point, whereas the share of other parties increases by one percentage point. The Union (CDU/CSU) stagnates at 25 percent, a far cry from the 28.5 percent they achieved in the February 23, 2021 federal election.

If a Bundestag election were to happen this week, expected party results remain consistent with the Union, AfD, SPD, Greens, Left, BSW, FDP, and other parties capturing approximately 25 percent, 24 percent, 15 percent, 12 percent, 10 percent, 4 percent, 3 percent, and 7 percent of the vote, respectively. Non-voters and the undecided make up 19 percent of the population this week, slightly higher than the 17.9 percent reported in the last federal election.

Political Competence Scores Stagnate

The Union retains the title of the party deemed most capable of handling Germany's problems (21 percent) and holds steady in political competence ratings, whereas the SPD slides one point to 8 percent. The Greens earn 7 percent and the Left 5 percent regarding political competence. The AfD ranks fourth with 12 percent, followed by the no-confidence group of 44 percent.

Economic Expectations Aren't Rosy

Forming the government has emerged as the top issue for Germans (45 percent), closely followed by economic concerns (44 percent). The war in Ukraine and efforts to achieve a common European defense rank third (40 percent) and fourth (36 percent), respectively. The tariffs recently announced by the US government appear crucial to 24 percent, while immigration lags at the bottom with 7 percent mentioning it. Climate/environment awareness stands at 5 percent.

Economic Outlook Darkens

Germans' evaluation of the economic situation is generally dismal, with only 21 percent expecting improvement in the coming years compared to 25 percent last week. Conversely, 57 percent anticipate worsening economic conditions—a 4-point increase. The economic outlook has deteriorated gradually since the federal election.

Data for the RTL/ntv Trendbarometer was collected by market and opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of RTL Germany between April 1-7. Sample size: 2501 respondents. Statistical error tolerance: plus/minus 2.5 percentage points. Data for Friedrich Merz was gathered on April 4 and 7, with a sample size of 1001 respondents and a statistical error tolerance of plus/minus 3 percentage points.

For more information about Forsa, visit their website.

Tags:RTL/ntv Trendbarometer | Polls | Friedrich Merz | Coalition Talks | Federal Election 2025

Despite the ongoing coalition talks between Union and SPD, a significant portion of the German community, as revealed by the RTL/ntv-Trendbarometer, finds Merz's employment in the role of Chancellor questionable, with 60% expressing their doubts.
Ironically, the union, which is part of Merz's CDU/CSU, and Union voters from the last federal election are the only demographic with a majority that believe he is suitable for the employ as Chancellor.
As per the RTL/ntv-Trendbarometer, the percentage of Germans who believe untruths about Merz's competency as Chancellor exceeds those who believe in his suitability, with 60% deeming him unfit and only 32% approving.