Most Germans think Chancellor Friedrich Merz is doing a worse job than Angela Merkel, just eight weeks after taking office. According to a new Insa poll, 36% of respondents say Merz is performing worse than the former chancellor. Only 18% believe he is doing better, and just 14% think both have done a good job. Meanwhile, 21% say Merz is doing just as poorly as Merkel.
Merz is viewed more favourably than his immediate predecessor Olaf Scholz (SPD), though mainly by CDU/CSU supporters. About two-thirds of them say Merz is the better chancellor.
The weekly “Sunday question” shows no change in party support. If an election were held this Sunday, the CDU/CSU would receive 28% of the vote, and the AfD 23.5%. The SPD would get 14.5%, and the Greens 11%.
The poll also highlights differences by gender. Women are more likely to vote for the Greens and the Left, while men are more likely to support the AfD and CDU/CSU.
Policy priorities also vary by party. Among Green voters, 63% say the environment is their top issue. In contrast, CDU/CSU and AfD supporters are more focused on migration, healthcare, and pensions.
