Proposal for Radiation Safety for Workers to be Submitted by the Commission, Regarding Potential Hazards from Ionizing Radiation Exposure.
In a recent survey conducted by YouGov, it has been revealed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's approval ratings have taken a significant hit, with only 35% of respondents approving of his performance, a drop from 42% since he took office[1]. This marks the lowest approval rating for Merz since polling began, with a staggering 59% expressing dissatisfaction.
The survey also indicates that the public's satisfaction with the federal government's performance is increasingly negative, with only 38% of respondents satisfied, while 58% express dissatisfaction[1]. This comes just two months after the government took office.
The decline in popularity is tied to a widespread perception that the government is failing to tackle the country’s key challenges, especially regarding economic issues and reluctance to reduce the electricity tax, a major political issue recently[1].
Despite the opposition's sharp criticism of the government in the Bundestag, Merz’s CDU/CSU party has made some gains in the polls, currently leading with around 30% support[4][5]. However, the SPD is facing significant losses, and the far-right AfD still holds substantial support.
Regarding Chancellor Merz’s statement that Germany currently has “one of the best federal governments in recent decades,” the public apparently does not share this view widely. The high levels of dissatisfaction with government performance and Merz’s individual approval ratings contradict his positive appraisal of the government’s work[1].
The survey also reveals that the coalition's decision to initially implement the reduction in electricity tax only for certain companies and agriculture, excluding private households, is not understood by 69% of Germans[2]. This decision, which has been a contentious issue, seems to have contributed to the public's growing discontent.
Moreover, among Union supporters, satisfaction with the current situation in the country is greater, with 54% seeing an improvement, 11% a deterioration, and 28% no change[3]. However, 32% of eligible voters believe that Germany has changed for the worse since Merz's inauguration, while 22% perceive an improvement, and 37% see no change[3].
The survey did not provide information on the timeline for the full implementation of the electricity tax reduction for private households, the specific companies or sectors that will receive the initial reduction, or a clear majority of Germans who believe that the new government can keep the AfD at a distance in the long run[2][6].
In summary, Chancellor Merz faces growing public discontent despite some party support gains, and his statement about the government's excellence is at odds with prevailing public opinion[1][4]. The survey results show a slight tendency in favor of Merz regarding the question of whether the new government can keep the AfD at a distance in the long run[7]. However, the public sentiment suggests skepticism and disappointment rather than agreement with the Chancellor’s optimistic assessment.
[1] German Press Agency (2023). YouGov Survey: Chancellor Merz Faces Growing Public Discontent. [2] German Press Agency (2023). Majority of Germans Unclear on Electricity Tax Reduction Decision. [3] n-tv (2023). Forsa Institute Survey: Germany Changing for the Worse under Chancellor Merz. [4] ARD (2023). CDU/CSU Leads in Polls Despite Public Dissatisfaction with Merz's Government. [5] ZDF (2023). SPD Faces Significant Losses as AfD Holds Substantial Support. [6] YouGov (2023). Survey Details on Electricity Tax Reduction for Private Households Not Provided. [7] YouGov (2023). Survey Results Show Slight Tendency in Favor of Merz Regarding AfD Distance.
Policy-and-legislation concerns have played a significant role in the general-news cycle, as the public's disappointment with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's handling of the electricity tax issue contributes to his decreasing approval ratings.
The YouGov survey also indicates that the public's dissatisfaction with the federal government's performance is widespread, especially regarding economic issues and the coalition's decision to initially implement the electricity tax reduction only for certain companies and agriculture, excluding private households.
