Increased disfavor towards the federal government - Allgemeine Deutsche Partei (AfD) at an all-time high mark - Political Landscape Remains Unfavorable as Federal Government Continues to Struggle - AfD Regains Strength
The German Federal Government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), is currently experiencing the worst ratings ever in the ARD Deutschlandtrend. This decline is primarily due to a combination of factors, including low personal trust in Merz, unpopular foreign policy stances, economic anxieties, and internal political turbulence.
Recent polls indicate that only about 26% of voters consider Merz trustworthy, a significant decline from previous polls[1]. A majority of Germans, around 60%, express dissatisfaction with Merz’s government as it approaches its 100-day mark, according to INSA polls[4].
One of the main sources of dissatisfaction is the government’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most Germans support recognizing a Palestinian state, while the government holds a more cautious position, creating public friction[4]. Economic concerns also loom large. Germans are anxious about economic stability, partly due to worries about the impacts of US tariffs and ongoing difficulties in Germany’s post-pandemic economic recovery, including a potential recession in 2023[1][3].
Internal coalition challenges and political infighting from the prior government have further undermined public confidence in government effectiveness, indirectly affecting perceptions of the current administration led by Merz[3]. As a result, the CDU/CSU, Merz’s party, is also experiencing a decline in voter support[2][3].
The SPD, the junior partner in the coalition, would remain unchanged at 13%[4]. The Greens would also remain unchanged at 12%[4]. The Left party would maintain its standing at 10%[4].
In a hypothetical federal election next Sunday, the CDU/CSU would receive 27%, a decrease of 3 points compared to July, according to Infratest dimap[3]. The AfD party is back at a record high, with the AfD reaching a record high of 24% (+1) in the ARD-Deutschlandtrend, as of April 2025[4].
The BSW would receive 3% and the FDP 4%, making it unlikely for them to enter parliament[4]. Satisfaction with the black-red coalition among citizens has reached an all-time low[4]. More than two-thirds (69%) are less or not satisfied at all with the work of the Union and SPD[4].
It is important to note that these polls only reflect the opinion climate at the time of the survey and are subject to uncertainties due to factors like waning party loyalty and short-term election decisions[4]. The federal government’s low ratings could potentially impact its future political decisions and popularity.
[1] Infratest dimap, 2022 [2] ARD-Deutschlandtrend, 2022 [3] INSA, 2022 [4] Deutschlandtrend, 2022
- Amidst the lowest ratings ever for the German Federal Government, citizens are expressing concern over various policy-and-legislation areas, including community policy and employment policy, as indicated by the dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government.
- The political landscape in Germany has become increasingly competitive, with the AfD reaching record highs in general news, posing a significant threat to the ruling CDU/CSU, whose employment policy has garnered criticism from a majority of the population.
