Update

Germany: Chancellor Merz has never been more unpopular

Jessica Garcia April 2, 2026

Germany: Chancellor Merz Faces Record Unpopularity

Both the CDU/CSU and SPD pledged numerous commitments to the electorate, yet public sentiment shows widespread disillusionment. With the first two state elections of 2025 behind them, the federal coalition is grappling with growing dissatisfaction. Weeks of delayed decision-making were driven by fears of stirring unrest in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, despite urgent reforms required to reinvigorate the economy.

The coalition’s struggle to act has eroded confidence, as reforms demanding cuts to social benefits remain stalled. Since taking office in May 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised an “autumn of reforms,” but his vision has yet to deliver. Now, with prolonged inaction and political deadlock, public frustration has reached a new peak.

Approval Ratings Deteriorate

A record 84% of respondents express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance, according to the latest infratest dimap survey. Conducted over the final two days of March, the poll interviewed 1,316 eligible voters and revealed a sharp decline in support for Merz’s party. Even within the CDU/CSU, backing has waned, with the coalition’s approval rating now at 26%—a drop of two points from last March.

Merz’s approval rating has plummeted to 21% (-8 points), while Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the SPD holds 18% (-15 points). Both leaders are at their lowest levels since assuming office. The SPD’s support has fallen to 12%, matching its historic low from 2019, while the far-right AfD surged to 25%, gaining two percentage points. The Greens and Left Party also saw modest gains, reaching 14% and 10%, respectively.

Economic Concerns Mount

Public anxiety over the economy intensifies, as three years of recession and one year of stagnation have left lasting impacts. Manufacturing is contracting, and production has shifted overseas, compounding fears of a potential inflationary surge. The war in Iran has further dampened recent economic optimism, with energy prices remaining volatile.

Despite this, the government plans to stabilize the economy through tax reductions, lower energy costs, and streamlined bureaucracy. Additional consumer relief measures are set to be unveiled following Easter 2026. A separate proposal to extend fixed-term employment contracts has sparked debate: 48% of voters see it as beneficial, while 44% remain unconvinced.

Policy Divides Emerge

Support for accelerating foreign credential recognition is robust, with 74% of respondents backing the move to help migrants integrate faster. However, this approval is not universal—only 48% of AfD voters agree. Meanwhile, plans to abolish spousal tax benefits, aimed at encouraging women to work more, face strong opposition. Fifty-four percent of citizens reject the idea, while just 32% endorse it.