Proposal demanded for a directive on commission's purview regarding specific regulations
In a recent assertion, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared his government as one of the best in recent decades. However, public opinion data and media analysis indicate that this claim is met with significant skepticism and growing discontent among the population.
According to a poll conducted by YouGov, only 17% of respondents fully or partially agree with Merz's statement, while a substantial 71% disagree. Even within his own conservative (CDU/CSU) voter base, satisfaction is higher but still does not approach majority approval of his claim—54% see improvements, 28% see no change, and 11% perceive a decline.
Merz's approval rating dropped sharply in July 2025, reaching as low as 35%—the lowest since polling began after the government was formed. Only 38% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the government, while 58% were dissatisfied.
A majority (65%) believe the government is failing to address the country's most pressing problems. Notably, 32% of eligible voters think the situation in Germany has worsened since Merz took office, 37% see no change, and just 22% see improvement.
Among the most criticized policies is the decision to postpone a planned tax cut on electricity for households, which has become a focal point of discontent. The public’s ability to understand the government’s reasoning is also low—69% said they understood little or nothing about the postponement.
Cracks in Merz’s governing coalition, including infighting and a razor-thin parliamentary majority, have raised doubts about the government’s ability to deliver significant reforms. This gridlock has led some analysts to describe it as a “do-little government,” though this might not necessarily be negative for financial markets.
The opposition argues that Merz’s government is “doing a lot of things wrong,” and while the chancellor has cited economic policy shifts and migration reforms as achievements, these do not appear to have resonated broadly with the electorate.
The survey did not provide any information on the specific companies or agricultural sectors that will benefit from the electricity tax reduction. However, it is important to note that the reduction is initially only for certain companies, agriculture, and not private households.
The debate is ongoing about whether the new government can keep the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party at bay in the long term. A slight majority (31%) believes that the Union will be ahead of the AfD in polls by the end of Chancellor Merz's term, while 26% expect the AfD to be roughly equal, and another 26% expect the AfD to be ahead.
In conclusion, public opinion strongly contradicts Chancellor Merz’s assertion that his government is one of the best in recent decades. The majority of Germans are dissatisfied with the government’s performance, skeptical of its ability to address major challenges, and unconvinced by its policy explanations. While there are pockets of support among traditional conservatives, widespread discontent and declining approval ratings indicate that Merz’s claim lacks broad public endorsement.
What policies and legislation, particularly the delayed tax cut on electricity for households, are generating significant discontent among the population, as the public understanding of the government's reasoning is low? With the majority of Germans expressing dissatisfaction with the government's performance and skepticism towards Chancellor Merz's assertion that his government is one of the best in recent decades, it remains uncertain if the government can keep the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party at bay in the long term.
