German Coalition Faces Record Discontent

One year into the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition government, multiple polls reveal unprecedented public dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration. Surveys by INSA, Forsa, and Infratest dimap show approval ratings plummeting to historic lows, with only 11-16% of Germans satisfied and 76-87% expressing negative views. The coalition's future appears uncertain as 58% of respondents doubt it will survive until the 2029 election deadline. Die Welt+2

📉 Approval Ratings Crisis

Chancellor Merz faces the worst performance metrics ever recorded for a German leader, with only 13-19% approval across polls. Infratest dimap's May 7 survey shows 85% disapproval - the highest ever for a sitting chancellor. Young people and blue-collar workers show particularly strong discontent at 95% dissatisfaction rates. China.org+2

💼 Economic Policy Backlash

Public criticism centers on economic management, with 71% rating Merz's economic competence as poor. Concerns include stagnant growth, uncontrolled inflation, and unfulfilled reform promises. An economic think tank warns potential US tariffs could trigger a German recession, compounding existing frustrations. Deutsche Welle+2

🗳️ Coalition Stability Doubts

Three major surveys agree 58% of Germans expect the coalition to collapse before 2029. The CDU/CSU-SPD partnership now has lower approval than any previous Merkel or Scholz government at the same stage. Local party members in Nürtingen and Tübingen echo these national concerns. Die Welt+2

🌐 Cross-Demographic Discontent

Dissatisfaction spans all age groups and professions, with self-employed individuals joining youth and workers in near-universal disapproval (85-95%). All policy areas receive negative ratings, including social security reforms and infrastructure development. Forsa notes this marks the first time discontent has simultaneously affected every measured demographic. China.org+2