Overview
- The ZDF‑Politbarometer, conducted Sept. 22–24, reports 74% of Germans are dissatisfied with the Union–SPD government, the highest level in this legislative term.
- Only 17% rate Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s performance positively while 79% say he is doing a poor job and 65% expect he will not remain chancellor until the 2029 election.
- In the poll’s voting intention question the AfD leads with 28% and the Union (CDU/CSU) stands at 21%, reflecting recent losses for the CDU in states such as Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and Saxony‑Anhalt.
- Economic concerns drive much of the discontent: 78% say the government is doing too little on rising energy costs and 50% support a renewed fuel discount.
- Coverage varies by outlet but all point to the same political consequence: deep public demand for tough reforms paired with low trust in current leaders, increasing the odds of intra‑coalition conflict, leadership challenges, and renewed pressure for short‑term relief measures.