(MENAFN) Public sentiment towards German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reached record lows, with nearly two-thirds of Germans expressing a desire for his resignation before the scheduled federal election in October 2025, according to a survey conducted by the INSA polling institute, as reported by the tabloid Bild on Monday. The data reveals that 64 percent of respondents believe Scholz should step down, advocating for Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a fellow Social Democrat, to take over. Only a minority, less than a quarter of Germans, oppose this proposition.
The poll also indicates that Scholz would face significant challenges in an election against his major rivals. Specifically, against Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), only 23 percent of Germans would support Scholz. Merz, in turn, would enjoy the backing of 26 percent of voters. In a hypothetical matchup against Markus Soeder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) and a traditional CDU ally in Bavaria, Scholz would secure only 20 percent, while Soeder would claim a clear victory with 36 percent.
Furthermore, the survey suggests that Pistorius would narrowly win against Merz with 25 percent to 23 percent, but would lose to Soeder with 25 percent to 34 percent. German law dictates that the chancellor is confirmed by Members of Parliament on the proposal of the federal president.
Soeder, currently serving as the governor of Germany's most populous state, is known for his criticism of Scholz's policies. In November, he raised concerns about a "serious crisis" in Germany, criticizing the chancellor's cabinet for budget and police failures, stating that the "government has gone bankrupt."
As Scholz faces increasing calls for his resignation and waning public support, the political landscape in Germany becomes more uncertain. The poll results reflect a challenging scenario for the chancellor, raising questions about the potential implications for the upcoming federal election and the broader political direction of the country.
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