URGENT UPDATE: A new survey reveals that a staggering 70% of Germans are dissatisfied with Chancellor Friedrich Merz‘s government, marking the lowest approval ratings in history for his administration. The INSA poll, published by Bild on Saturday, surveyed 1,005 respondents, with only 21% expressing approval of the ruling coalition.
The poll comes just after the Bundestag narrowly approved a contentious pension reform, raising significant concerns among the public, particularly the youth wing of Merz’s Christian Democratic Union. According to Hermann Binkert, head of INSA, “These are the worst ratings ever recorded for the chancellor and his government.” Merz’s personal approval rating has plummeted to a mere 23%.
This dramatic decline in support is attributed to rising criticism over Merz’s failure to fulfill campaign promises aimed at revitalizing Germany’s economy. The ruling coalition is also grappling with internal strife regarding immigration policies and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
On Friday, the Bundestag passed a hotly debated military service law aimed at increasing recruitment of young soldiers. This move has sparked protests in Berlin, where organizer Ronja Ruh decried, “An unbelievable amount of money is being spent on the military and armament,” while essential public services continue to face funding shortages.
Merz has asserted that strengthening the military is crucial, citing perceived threats from Russia. He has pledged to create “the strongest conventional army in Europe.” However, Russia has dismissed these calls for militarization among NATO countries as unfounded, reiterating that it does not intend to attack unless provoked.
As public discontent grows, all eyes are on the government for its next steps in addressing both the economic challenges and the backlash from citizens. The urgency of these developments highlights a critical moment for Merz and his administration as they seek to regain the trust of the German populace.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
