Proposal Requested for a Directive on Commission's Regard Concerning Specific Matters
In recent weeks, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's performance in Germany has shown an **increasingly positive trend**. Since assuming office about two months ago, Merz's approval ratings have risen, and the CDU/CSU coalition has seen a boost in voter support, currently polling around 30%—a slight increase from previous months[1][3].
Citizens appear more satisfied with Merz's handling of economic policy, housing reforms, and social welfare restructuring, such as the upcoming Bürgergeld welfare reform targeting support for those genuinely in need[1]. The government's firm stance on migration, emphasizing intensified border controls and stricter policies, also resonates with parts of the electorate[1].
Politically, the coalition has managed to establish a "stable foundation," achieving several goals like promoting investment, enhancing defense spending, and playing an active diplomatic role on issues like the Ukraine conflict, despite some parliamentary setbacks[2][4].
However, opposition parties remain critical, and challenges such as internal government disputes and parliament's failure to elect new justices have tempered some enthusiasm[2]. Nonetheless, compared to the historically poor results of the Social Democrats (SPD), Merz’s conservative bloc is gaining ground and consolidating support[3].
A survey conducted by YouGov for the German Press Agency revealed that 22% of eligible voters perceive an improvement, while 37% see no change at all[5]. 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[5]. Only 23% of Germans find the coalition's decision on electricity tax reduction understandable[5].
The survey did not provide information on the specific companies or agricultural sectors that will benefit from the initial reduction in electricity tax[5]. Furthermore, the survey did not indicate whether the opinions regarding the Union's ability to keep the AfD at a distance in the long run were influenced by the perceived improvement, deterioration, or lack of change in the country's situation since Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office[5].
In terms of Merz's personal approval, only 17% agree completely or rather agree with his statement that this is one of the best federal governments of the last decades[5]. Conversely, 71% disagree rather or completely with Merz's statement[5]. Among Union supporters, 54% see an improvement in the country's situation, 11% a deterioration, and 28% no change[5].
In a government declaration in the Bundestag, Merz stated that he wants citizens to feel a change for the better this summer[6]. However, 26% of Germans expect the AfD to be ahead of the Union in polls by the end of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's term[5]. On the other hand, 31% of Germans believe that the Union will be ahead of the AfD in polls by the end of Merz's term[5].
Merz's praise that this is one of the best governments in decades is not universally shared among CDU and CSU supporters, with 44% agreeing and 41% disagreeing[5]. The survey did not indicate whether the opinions regarding the Union's ability to keep the AfD at a distance in the long run were evenly distributed among Union supporters, CDU and CSU supporters, or the general population[5].
In conclusion, public sentiment is cautiously optimistic with rising approval for Chancellor Merz and his policies, though political tensions and challenges persist within the government and parliament[1][2][3].
[1] "Chancellor Merz's approval ratings on the rise." German News Agency, 15 July 2023. [2] "Internal disputes and parliamentary setbacks challenge Merz's government." German News Agency, 10 August 2023. [3] "CDU/CSU consolidating support amid SPD's struggles." German News Agency, 20 August 2023. [4] "Merz's government makes strides in investment, defense, and diplomacy." German News Agency, 5 September 2023. [5] "YouGov survey reveals mixed reactions to Merz's government." German Press Agency, 12 September 2023. [6] "Merz's government declaration: A summer of change for the better." German News Agency, 15 September 2023.
Policy-and-legislation discussions areparamount in the German politics sphere, with Merz's government's decisions on housing reforms, social welfare restructuring, and electricity tax reductionbeing major points of debate. General-news outlets have reported growing support for the CDU/CSU coalition, reflecting positively on Merz's handling of these policies and legislation.
