Following a hectic initial 100 days, domestic disagreements surface for Germany's Merz
Germany's New Chancellor Faces Challenges in First 100 Days
Friedrich Merz, the new Chancellor of Germany who took office in May 2025, has faced a rocky start as he grapples with public dissatisfaction and coalition strife in his first 100 days.
Merz, at the age of 69, achieved his life's ambition to lead Europe's top economy, but his personal approval rating has slipped 10 points to just 32 percent in the latest poll by public broadcaster ARD. This decline in popularity can be attributed to his inability to deliver on key promises, such as reducing migration, fostering economic growth, and reforming social welfare without incurring new debts.
One of Merz's core policies is to build "Europe's largest conventional army" in response to a hostile Russia and to maintain strong support for Ukraine. However, his hard line on immigration and climate protection, as well as his vow to slash social welfare, have sparked controversy and chafed many Germans.
The CDU/CSU's decision to withdraw support for SPD nominee Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf caused SPD fury, further straining the coalition. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the SPD warned the conservatives to refrain from further provocations.
Merz's perceived inability or unwillingness to control the rise of the far-right party AfD, which reportedly overtook the CDU/CSU under his leadership, has also been a source of contention.
The coalition is broadly unpopular, with only about 27% approval overall, signaling broader challenges beyond Merz’s personal leadership. Many have chafed at his focus on global events, earning him the moniker of "foreign chancellor."
Unresolved issues are lingering as Merz and most other politicians are on summer holidays. One such issue is the CDU's Bavarian sister party's demand for sharp cuts to social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, a position the SPD opposes.
Merz sparked controversy by dismissing plans to hoist an LGBTQ rainbow flag on the parliament building. The issue looked set to fester until Brosius-Gersdorf withdrew her candidature.
In the second round of the election, Merz was confirmed as Chancellor, but the debacle pointed to simmering resentment in the left-right coalition. Merz's promise to ramp up NATO spending endeared him to former US President Donald Trump, but unresolved issues continue to linger as he navigates the complexities of German politics.
[1] Merz's personal approval rating slipped 10 points to just 32 percent. [2] The CDU/CSU withdrew support for SPD nominee Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf. [3] Only about 27% approval for the coalition. [4] 59% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Merz. [5] Merz's failure to deliver on key promises and maintain public support.
[1] Despite achieving his life's ambition to lead Europe's top economy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's personal approval rating has slipped to only 32 percent due to his failure to deliver on key promises.
[2] The CDU/CSU's withdrawal of support for SPD nominee Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf caused further strain in the coalition, fueling an ongoing sense of discontent.
[3] Public dissatisfaction is widespread, with only about 27% overall approval for the current coalition, suggesting a broader challenge beyond Merz’s personal leadership.
[4] In a recent poll by public broadcaster ARD, 59% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Chancellor Merz.
[5] Merz's inability to control public opinion and meet key policy goals has left many questioning his leadership in Germany's challenging political landscape, with controversies over issues such as migration, social welfare, and LGBTQ rights.
