The honeymoon phase for Chancellor Friedrich Merz is officially over. Latest polls reveal a dramatic dip in his approval ratings, pushing him toward the low figures seen by his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.
A YouGov survey conducted Wednesday, July 16, places Merz in a challenging position. His approval has significantly declined, mirroring the less favorable numbers Olaf Scholz experienced in February 2022, when only 29 percent approved of his performance.
Scholz Shock: Merz’s Poll Numbers Plummet
The numbers are stark: only 32 percent of eligible voters currently view Merz’s work positively, with a stark 59 percent rating it as bad. This represents a significant drop from June, when his performance was viewed favorably by 39 percent of the public, and negatively by only 45 percent. Merz’s standing has eroded by 14 percentage points in just one month.
Coalition Struggles Amidst Voter Turnaround
The current coalition government is also facing widespread dissatisfaction. A substantial 65 percent of citizens disapprove of the government’s performance, with only 29 percent expressing satisfaction. For context, the previous administration, often referred to as the “traffic light” government, garnered a more positive rating after a similar period, with only 57 percent dissatisfied.
Even traditional supporters are showing signs of wavering. Merz’s own party voters, while still largely in favor, show a decline. Only 42 percent of SPD supporters approve of the government’s work, compared to 59 percent of Union voters who currently express satisfaction.
AfD Gains Ground as Union’s Lead Shrinks
The latest polling data also indicates a tightening race, with the AfD narrowing the gap with the Union. The AfD has climbed to 25 percent, while the Union holds steady at 27 percent, a mere two-point difference. The SPD is polling at 14 percent, the Greens at 11 percent, and the Left at 10 percent. The BSW party is projected to enter the Bundestag with 5 percent, while the FDP remains below the threshold at 3 percent.
Adding to the government’s challenges is the lingering controversy surrounding Jens Spahn’s past decisions. A significant 68 percent of the public criticizes his actions, with even 56 percent of Union voters viewing the affair critically.
Merz’s earlier momentum appears to have dissipated, leaving the government facing a crisis of confidence after just 69 days in office. This trend is echoed in other surveys, including the RTL/NTV trend barometer, which also points to a notable decline in Merz’s popularity.
