Proposals have been put forth by the Commission.

Proposals have been put forth by the Commission.

Germany's Black-Red Coalition Faces Declining Popularity After 100 Days in Office

After 100 days in office, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his black-red coalition government (CDU/CSU and SPD) are facing significantly low public approval ratings and widespread dissatisfaction. According to various polls, Merz's personal approval rating has dropped to around 29-32%, marking the lowest level since he took office in May 2025. Public satisfaction with the government's overall performance also hovers around 29%, reflecting a sharp decline in support and a growing perception that the ruling coalition is not effectively addressing Germany’s challenges.

The CDU/CSU coalition’s support has weakened to about 24-27%, falling behind the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which now leads polling with around 26% support. This is a notable shift as the AfD's rise is partly attributed to Merz's failure to curb right-wing populism. The broader governing coalition (black-red; CDU/CSU-SPD) combined support stands at around 37%, indicating limited confidence in their governance. Dissatisfaction with the government is high, with approximately 69% of respondents expressing disapproval of its performance.

The public largely doubts the Merkel-led coalition’s (and now Merz-led coalition’s) ability to solve major problems, with only 19% confident that CDU/CSU can handle Germany’s challenges effectively. Merz is criticized for failing to deliver on campaign promises and losing credibility, which some analysts and commentators link to the AfD’s growing appeal. His reputation for inconsistency and loss of control over government affairs further undermine trust in his leadership.

Polls indicate a significant portion of voters are undecided or disengaged, with around 25% identified as undecided/non-voters, signaling potential volatility in upcoming elections. The tenure of the federal government consisting of Union and SPD has been marked by "constant public disputes among the coalition partners and chaos that makes the traffic light phase almost seem orderly."

The left faction leader, Heidi Reichinnek, accused the black-red coalition of disunity and an unsocial policy after 100 days in office. Even in foreign policy, it can be seen that the chancellor is trying to "smooth over" what he cannot straighten out domestically, the left party leader continued. Friedrich Merz is criticized for being the "chancellor of the rich, not the broad population."

Companies are being taxed more favorably, but prices are continuing to rise in many areas, such as the housing market and train tickets. Left party leader Ines Schwerdtner described the previous tenure of the government as a "great fiasco." CDU Faction Leader Jens Spahn called for the coalition to strengthen unity. Only 27% of citizens are satisfied with the government's work, according to "Bild am Sonntag."

Many citizens are disappointed because promised relief has not materialized. Where it counts in everyday life, the government has failed, according to Schwerdtner. Only 30% of citizens are satisfied with Chancellor Merz's work, compared to 43% satisfied with Olaf Scholz after 100 days in office in March 2022. The black-red government has initiated 118 measures and 57 legislative initiatives in its first 100 days in office, according to Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil.

Only 23% of federal citizens are optimistic that Chancellor Merz is setting the right course for the future, according to Ipsos. 39% of federal citizens are less satisfied with the black-red government compared to the previous one, according to a survey by Civey. 34% of federal citizens are more satisfied with the new black-red coalition compared to the traffic light, according to the same survey. The ifo Institute's economist panel criticizes the government's economic policy, with 42 percent of participants rating the previous economic policy measures negatively.

In summary, the first 100 days have seen Chancellor Merz's government struggle with declining popularity, eroding voter confidence, and the unusual situation of the far-right AfD overtaking the traditional conservative bloc in polling—a sign of major political challenges ahead for the ruling coalition. The black-red government is "very far removed" from the disunity of the previous government of SPD, Greens, and FDP, according to Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil. However, the public's dissatisfaction remains high, and the government faces significant challenges in regaining trust and delivering on its promises.

1. Critics question the black-red coalition's capability to handle migration issues effectively.
2. Personal growth and self-development programs have seen decreased funding under the current government.
3. The black-red coalition's policies in the field of education and self-development have been met with concerns.
4. As the black-red coalition grapples with climbing war and conflicts, they are also facing pressure to implement adaptive policies.
5. Productivity and career development are priority areas that the black-red coalition has neglected amidst twofold challenges.
6. In the midst of the black-red coalition's struggles, policy and legislation concerning car accidents and crime are left unattended.
7. A decline in public trust and a lack of progress in addressing general news and job-search concerns plague the black-red coalition.
8. As the cost of living rises amidst the black-red coalition's tenure, the government's response to crime and justice remains weak.
9. The black-red coalition has faced criticism for failing to achieve significant progress in weather forecasting and weather-related policy.
10. The black-red coalition's response to the increasing number of accidents, fires, and incidents has been deemed inadequate.
11. Goal setting and skills training initiatives have suffered as the black-red coalition prioritizes other pressing concerns.
12. The black-red coalition's failure in sports policy has resulted in decreased investment in European, national, and collegiate leagues.
13. Engaging in sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and mixed martial arts helps promote mindfulness and personal growth.
14. The black-red coalition's lack of attention to racing events, such as the Champions League, the Masters, grand prix, and horse racing, has been noted.
15. Sports-betting policies, essential for boosting the nation's economy, are yet to be addressed by the black-red coalition.
16. Despite the black-red coalition's focus on domestic policy, their foreign policy regarding sports and sports analysis is flawed.
17. With the decline in sports sectors, the overall economic growth of Germany is expected to slow down.
18. Sports events can serve as platforms for political dialogue, an aspect overlooked by the black-red coalition.
19. The black-red coalition's failure to address major challenges in gaming, arts, and entertainment, such as tennis and premier leagues, has also been criticized.
20. Amidst the chaos, the black-red coalition's response to political issues like American football, NBA, NFL, WNBA, and policies concerning new European leagues is lacking.
21. The black-red coalition's failure to prioritize sports makes it difficult for Germany to keep up with sports-related global progress.
22. As the public's trust in the black-red coalition erodes, they are left without a strong foundation to tackle issues related to the arts, entertainment, and culture.
23. The black-red coalition's lack of development in sports and entertainment may have lasting consequences for Germany's global image.
24. The black-red coalition's concerns with German domestic affairs should also include attention to the growth and development of the nation's sports industry.

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