A clear majority of Germans are now calling for new federal elections, according to recent polling data.
An Insa survey shows that 59% of respondents support holding new Bundestag elections, while only 25% oppose the idea. Support for early elections extends across most political camps, including a majority of voters for the Social Democrats (SPD), where 50% back the proposal. Among opposition parties, support is even higher, with 90% of AfD voters, 63% of Left Party supporters, and 69% of BSW voters in favour. Only voters who support the Union show a narrow majority against new elections, at 51% to 39%.
The same poll suggests that public criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz is widely seen as justified. Around 64% of respondents say the criticism directed at the Chancellor is not excessive, while only 22% consider it unfair. Even within his own Union base, a significant share rejects his claim that he is facing unusually harsh treatment.
Separate polling by Forsa for RTL and ntv paints an even more negative picture for the Chancellor. It finds that 80% of respondents are dissatisfied with Merz’s performance, marking his lowest approval rating so far. For the first time, even a majority of Union supporters reportedly express dissatisfaction with his leadership.
According to the survey, Merz is criticised for “full-bodied announcements without consequence” (23%), “broken election promises” (22%), a lack of clear direction, “contradictory action” (14%), and “lack of leadership” (13%). His personal approval rating has fallen to around 20%.
This political mood remains challenging for the governing coalition. Combined support for Merz’s CDU/CSU and its coalition partner SPD stands at around 37.5%
