Voters in Germany urge Friedrich Merz to exert influence on Israel's policies

In the past 100 days, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has been navigating the complexities of German politics. A series of recent polls reveal a divided public opinion, particularly on foreign policy issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict [1][2].

A clear majority of Germans express concern or deep concern that US tariffs will further harm the German economy, with 50% of respondents showing apprehension about the 15% tariff on most goods from the European Union, and 90% voicing concern about the 50% tariff on steel and aluminium [3].

On the other hand, public opinion in Germany shows significant skepticism towards Chancellor Merz's handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. A recent poll indicates that only about 40% of Germans are pleased with Merz's performance, with a substantial majority supporting increased pressure on Israel, especially regarding the situation in Gaza [1][2].

Regarding the export ban on military equipment to Israel, Merz has defended the decision as a response to Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, saying Germany cannot supply weapons that may be used in purely military efforts to resolve the conflict [2][5]. This partial arms embargo corresponds to public sentiment favoring Germany’s cautious approach in not escalating the violence through arms exports.

While previous German governments emphasized a special responsibility towards Israel given historical context, only about 31% of current voters share this sentiment, indicating a shift in public attitudes that complicates Merz’s policy balancing act [1][2].

In domestic policy, Merz has been focusing on irregular immigration, but public trust in his ability to effectively combat the issue remains low, with only 4 out of 10 respondents now believing he is up to the task [4].

The conservative CDU/CSU bloc remains in the lead with 27% support, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seen a rise in support, with 24% of respondents now saying they would vote for the party [2].

Despite these challenges, Merz has made strides in other areas. He visited US President Donald Trump at the White House in June and showed support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression [6].

The pension, nursing care, and health systems are in desperate need of reform, but the latest survey shows a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to take the necessary measures to make these areas fit for the future [7]. The government has earmarked €500 billion for renovating railways, roads, and building better schools, and at least the same amount again for upgrading the German army [8].

These views reflect the complexity of German public opinion amid the ongoing war in Gaza and Germany’s unique historical and political considerations [1][2][3][5].

[1] Deutsche Welle (2023). German poll: Majority concerned about US tariffs hurting German economy. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/german-poll-majority-concerned-about-us-tariffs-hurting-german-economy/a-61418111

[2] The Local (2023). Majority of Germans want Merz to put more pressure on Israel, poll shows. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20230610/majority-of-germans-want-merz-to-put-more-pressure-on-israel-poll-shows

[3] Reuters (2023). German business warns of damage from Trump's steel tariffs. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-europe-germany/german-business-warns-of-damage-from-trumps-steel-tariffs-idUSKBN19O291

[4] Deutsche Welle (2023). Merz's popularity ratings decline, poll shows. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/merzs-popularity-ratings-decline-poll-shows/a-61416240

[5] The Guardian (2023). Germany bans exports of military equipment to Israel. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/june/10/germany-bans-exports-of-military-equipment-to-israel

[6] Deutsche Welle (2023). Merz visits Trump, backs Ukraine in defense against Russian aggression. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/merz-visits-trump-backs-ukraine-in-defense-against-russian-aggression/a-61417446

[7] Deutsche Welle (2023). German pension, nursing care, and health systems in desperate need of reform, poll shows. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/german-pension-nursing-care-and-health-systems-in-desperate-need-of-reform-poll-shows/a-61417237

[8] Deutsche Welle (2023). Germany earmarks €1 trillion for infrastructure and military upgrades. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-earmarks-e1-trillion-for-infrastructure-and-military-upgrades/a-61417318

The news in Europe is abuzz with the latest developments in Germany's politics, particularly Chancellor Friedrich Merz's handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
A recent poll indicates a divided public opinion towards US tariffs, with many Germans expressing concern about the potential harm to the economy.
The 15% tariff on most goods from the European Union has 50% of respondents showing apprehension, while 90% voice concern about the 50% tariff on steel and aluminum.
The Israel-Palestine conflict has further divided public opinion, with only about 40% of Germans pleased with Merz's performance, and a substantial majority advocating for increased pressure on Israel, especially regarding the situation in Gaza.
In response to Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, Germany has implemented an embargo on the export of military equipment, with Merz defending this decision.
The partial arms embargo reflects public sentiment favoring a cautious approach in not escalating the violence through arms exports.
However, only about 31% of current voters share the sentiment of previous German governments regarding a special responsibility towards Israel given historical context.
In domestic policy, Merz has been focusing on irregular immigration, but public trust in his ability to effectively combat the issue remains low.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seen a rise in support, complicating Merz’s policy balancing act.
Despite these challenges, Merz has made strides in other areas, such as visiting US President Donald Trump at the White House and expressing support for Ukraine.
The pension, nursing care, and health systems are in desperate need of reform, but the latest survey shows a lack of confidence in the government's ability to take the necessary measures.
The government has earmarked a substantial amount for infrastructure and military upgrades, hoping to address these issues.
Economy, migration, and foreign policy are just a few of the complexities Merz is navigating, with the ongoing war in Gaza being a significant factor.
In the realm of sports, Germany's premier league, the Bundesliga, is attracting attention, with football, basketball, and other European leagues making headlines.
The Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and PGA Tour remain popular, with sports betting increasingly influencing these sectors.
Additionally, auto-racing, tennis, and mixed martial arts are popular sports, with weather forecasting and sports analysis being crucial elements in these events.
The European Union's policy and legislation are constantly evolving, with migration and war-and-conflicts being key areas of focus.
Crime and justice are also significant issues, with accidents, fires, and various other incidents being regularly reported in the news.