Proposal for a Commission Directive under Consideration
In the two months since Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office, the public sentiment towards his federal government in Germany has shown a cautiously positive trend, according to a recent YouGov survey for the German Press Agency.
The polls indicate an increase in support for Merz’s CDU/CSU coalition, with around 30% of voter support, and Merz’s personal approval also on the rise compared to when he first assumed office. This surge in support may be attributed to the government's emphasis on economic policy reforms, stricter migration policies, and welfare reforms, including the planned introduction of a citizen’s income for those truly in need.
However, the government faces challenges, such as the recent failure of parliament to elect new justices to Germany’s highest court, and the inherent fragile nature of the coalition’s thin majority. Merz himself acknowledges that occasional setbacks are risks in governance but asserts that the coalition has built a “stable foundation” and has achieved significant progress in its first 10 weeks.
The debate among Germans is whether the new government can keep the far-right AfD at a distance in the long run. According to the survey, 31% believe that the Union will be ahead of the AfD in the polls by the end of Merz’s term, while another 26% expect the AfD to be ahead. The survey did not indicate a clear majority favoring either outcome.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the junior coalition partner, continues to lose support and faces questions about its relevance, with polls indicating only about 13% voter support. By contrast, the conservative bloc under Merz is gaining traction, while the AfD still maintains substantial support at around 23%.
The survey also reveals that only 17% agree with Merz’s statement that this is one of the best federal governments in recent decades. Among Union supporters, 54% see an improvement in the country's situation, 11% see a deterioration, and 28% see no change.
In addition, the survey found that 69% of respondents have little understanding for the decision to reduce the electricity tax, while 23% find it understandable. The reduction initially applies only to certain companies, agriculture, and not private households, due to financial reasons.
In conclusion, Chancellor Merz's government enjoys rising approval and a perception of effective early achievements, yet it must navigate ongoing political challenges and a polarised electorate. This moderated optimism reflects a public cautiously hopeful about the new leadership, particularly under Merz’s conservative agenda and policy direction.
The Chancellor Merz's government's policy-and-legislation, which includes economic, migration, and welfare reforms, has contributed to the rising support for the CDU/CSU coalition, as revealed in the recent survey. However, the politics surrounding the government's relationship with the far-right AfD and the understanding of decisions like the electricity tax reduction remain contentious issues in general-news discussions.
