(MENAFN) According to reports, a new poll shows German Chancellor Friedrich Merz experiencing a sharp decline in public approval since taking office in May.

The Forsa institute survey, conducted for RTL/NTV, finds that 75% of respondents are dissatisfied with Merz’s performance, while only 23% express satisfaction. Dissatisfaction is particularly high in eastern states (78%) and Bavaria (79%), and among self-employed individuals (80%). Political divides are also apparent: 40% of Merz’s own CDU supporters report dissatisfaction, while 70% of Social Democratic Party (SPD) supporters feel the same.

Since mid-June, approval ratings for Merz have dropped 20 points to 23%, and dissatisfaction has risen 26 points from 49% to 75%.

The poll also measures party support nine months after February’s general election. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads with 26%, narrowly surpassing the Christian Union parties at 25%. Coalition partner SPD holds 14%, the Greens 12%, and the Left Party 11%.

Forsa analysts argue that under Merz’s leadership, the CDU/CSU alliance has been unable to counter the AfD’s rising popularity. They note, “This reflects the grave error made by Merz and his inner circle in prioritizing migration policy so heavily during the election campaign and their time in government. Had they pursued a consistent economic policy that fostered greater public confidence in Germany's economic development, the AfD's vote share would not be as high as it is now.”

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