Merz falls to last place in German political popularity rankings

Tuesday 28 April 2026 - 11:15

The popularity of Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has fallen to its lowest level among the country’s leading political figures, according to a recent survey published in German media. The results place him at the bottom of a ranking of the 20 most prominent politicians in Germany.

The poll shows that Merz received only 28.9 points, dropping from 18th to 20th place. Analysts describe the result as a significant decline in public support for the chancellor, both nationally and within his own political base.

Support among voters of his conservative party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), has also weakened. Only around 10% of CDU/CSU supporters view him positively, while a majority express negative opinions.

Other conservative leaders, including regional and federal figures, currently rank higher in public approval, reflecting internal competition within Germany’s governing political bloc.

The decline in popularity comes amid growing economic concerns in Germany. The government has recently revised its economic forecasts downward, citing weaker-than-expected growth and global uncertainty. Inflation pressures and energy-related challenges have also contributed to public dissatisfaction.

Recent polling further indicates widespread frustration with the government’s overall performance, with a majority of citizens expressing dissatisfaction with the current coalition leadership.

Observers note that economic uncertainty and international tensions have placed additional pressure on political leadership, influencing public perception of government effectiveness.