Chancellor Friedrich Merz has experienced a mix of challenges and optimism in his early tenure. While his approval ratings have shown modest improvement, climbing four places in a recent Insa survey, they remain lackluster with only 37% of the population expressing satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is notably pronounced in eastern Germany.
Despite personal approval challenges, Merz's party, the CDU/CSU, has gained ground in recent polls. The Union has expanded its lead over the AfD, reaching 27%, its highest since March, while the AfD dropped to 23%. The Greens also saw a slight increase, now at 12%.
Merz's international diplomacy is also under scrutiny as he embarks on his inaugural visit to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump. This visit will cover critical issues such as the Ukraine conflict, NATO threats, and trade disputes between the US and the EU. Merz has promised to represent European interests confidently.
The visit has sparked both support and criticism domestically. While some within the government support Merz's proposal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, others, including SPD's left wing, call it "irrational." Opposition leader Ines Schwerdtner cautions against yielding to Trump, urging Merz to avoid mere rhetoric.
As Merz navigates these domestic and international arenas, his leadership is under a spotlight. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can bolster his standing and effectively address the varied challenges facing his administration.
