Merz approval at 10 percent AUF1 cites ARD poll

Oct 1

AUF1 cites a recent Infratest dimap poll: 10 percent are satisfied with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, 88 percent less satisfied or not satisfied at all, and 10 percent satisfied with the federal government. The anchor describes Merz's rating as the lowest for a German chancellor since this survey began in 1997. The bulletin supplies no fieldwork dates, sample details or party-vote figures.

In the complete DeutschlandTrend live exchange, Ellen Ehni reports divided views on the new fuel discount: 47% favor it and 46% oppose it; AfD supporters favor it by 60%, Left and Green supporters mostly oppose it, and Union/SPD supporters are divided. Almost three quarters find government energy-price action insufficient, 16% adequate and 5% excessive; about half fear losing their living standard. Voting intentions are Union 20% (-1), AfD 27% (unchanged), SPD 13% (unchanged), Greens 16% (+1), Left 11% (-1), FDP 4% (unchanged) and others 9% (+1). Union matches its September 2021 low. Satisfaction with both government and chancellor is 10%, described as record lows. Ehni discusses fears about AI, Trump, further Russian attacks and climate change, alongside distrust of the government's ability to reform social insurance. She reports 77% feeling increasing burdens despite promised relief, 61% favoring cuts scaled to financial circumstances and 50% willing to accept personal cuts if clearly explained. Forced to choose, 41% prefer higher contributions and 37% reduced benefits; party differences and her fairness/communication assessment remain attributed. AUF1's October 2 brief cites the same ARD survey, describing Merz's ten-percent satisfaction and 88-percent dissatisfaction as the lowest chancellor rating since the series began in 1997. Its political judgment remains attributed; the original complete survey account and its other findings are retained.