URGENT UPDATE: A staggering 70% of Germans express dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, according to a new INSA poll published by Bild on Saturday. This marks a record low for Merz’s administration, with only 21% of the 1,005 respondents approving of the ruling coalition’s performance.
Merz’s personal approval rating has plummeted to just 23%, the lowest ever recorded for a German chancellor, as confirmed by INSA head Hermann Binkert. These alarming figures come on the heels of a narrow vote in the Bundestag approving a controversial pension reform, which has drawn criticism from the youth wing of Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
The public’s discontent has intensified as Merz faces allegations of failing to meet his campaign promises aimed at revitalizing the economy. The ruling coalition is also grappling with internal disputes over immigration policies and aid to Ukraine.
In a bold move, Merz has advocated for enhanced militarization, pledging to establish “the strongest conventional army in Europe” in response to what he perceives as a growing threat from Russia. Just yesterday, the Bundestag passed a contentious military service law intended to boost recruitment of young soldiers, which sparked protests in Berlin. Organizer Ronja Ruh criticized the government for allocating an “unbelievable amount of money” to military spending while essential public services suffer from underfunding.
The situation is further complicated by Russia’s dismissal of NATO’s militarization calls, labeling them as unfounded warmongering and asserting that it does not plan to attack unless provoked.
As the political landscape in Germany shifts dramatically, the implications of this poll are profound. Citizens are increasingly voicing their concerns, and the government faces mounting pressure to address the issues at hand.
What to watch for: The ongoing fallout from the pension reform, public response to military policies, and potential shifts in coalition dynamics could reshape Germany’s political future in the coming days. Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.
