Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing increasing pressure to step down amid record-low approval ratings and a surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Speculation about his potential resignation has intensified, with discussions within his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party openly considering a replacement.
According to Anadolu Agency, Merz's approval ratings have dropped to an all-time low, with only 13% of Germans expressing satisfaction with his leadership. This figure represents the lowest approval rating for a sitting German chancellor in nearly three decades. The dissatisfaction is largely attributed to concerns about the state of the German economy and skepticism regarding proposed reforms to the pension and healthcare systems.
The upcoming September elections in three eastern states, including Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Berlin, could prove pivotal for Merz. Surveys suggest that the AfD might secure an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, potentially signaling the end of Merz's tenure. The AfD has emerged as Germany's most popular political party, with 28% support, surpassing the CDU's 21%.
Within the CDU, Merz's leadership is increasingly questioned, particularly after a chaotic Cabinet reshuffle that highlighted his waning authority. The weekly news magazine Der SPIEGEL reports that many within the CDU leadership circles have lost faith in Merz, with some officials predicting that he could be out of office by September 21.
Despite the growing calls for change, Merz's possible successor, Hendrik Wuest, has dismissed speculation about replacing him. Wuest, the minister-president of North Rhine-Westphalia, stated that the chancellorship is "not an option for me at this time," although he does not rule out a future run.
If Merz refuses to step down, the only option for his removal would be a constructive vote of no confidence in the Bundestag. However, such a scenario is currently deemed unlikely despite the chancellor's poor poll numbers.