Most Germans dissatisfied with Chancellor Merz’s performance

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has regained some ground in public approval, according to the latest INSA poll. Twenty-seven per cent of respondents said they are satisfied with Merz’s performance as Federal Chancellor, a four-point increase since the previous survey on September 26. While the majority, 62 per cent, remain dissatisfied, analysts suggest the downward trend may have temporarily stopped.

The Merz-led black-red coalition government has seen a similar improvement in its approval ratings. After weeks of declining popularity, satisfaction with the government has risen five points to 28 per cent. Nevertheless, 63 per cent of Germans remain critical of the administration.

Despite the modest gains in public sentiment, the INSA Sunday Trend indicates no significant shift in party support. The CDU/CSU remains at 24 per cent, while the AfD leads with 26 per cent. The SPD holds steady at 14 per cent. Combined, the black-red coalition reaches just 38 per cent, well below the threshold needed for a parliamentary majority.

INSA head Hermann Binkert told BILD: “The slightly increased satisfaction with the federal government has (so far) not translated into higher support for the governing parties.”

This week, the government reached agreements on several key reforms after weeks of negotiation, including stricter rules for Bürgergeld (citizens’ income), higher health insurance contributions for high earners, and the introduction of the “active pension.”

By Vugar Khalilov