German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday attributed his low approval rating to certain decisions he believes a cross-section of the populace is not satisfied with.
The support level for the CDU leader, who assumed office in May 2025, is between 13% to 16% as of mid-summer 2026, marking historic lows for a German chancellor.
Speaking on ARD-Sommerinterview, Merz addressed his rating and the government’s tough structural reforms, warning of economic fallout ahead of the state election in Sachsen-Anhalt.
“Someone who asks a country to accept change is not popular at the beginning,” he stressed. “I have to make decisions that we (Germany) should have made years—if not decades—ago.”
Merz pointed to the issue of social security systems, declaring that the pension system is no longer sustainable in its current form, given demographic trends.
The leader noted that even though he looks at the polls and pays attention to them, they are not the benchmark by which he evaluates his policies.
“The standard for my policies is this: are we, as a federal government, leading this country toward a stable, peaceful and free future?” he said.
On climate change efforts, Merz admitted it hasn’t become easier because the current administration in America denies it, but assured Germany is not “abandoning” its course.
He, however, reiterated support for Israel, calling the reconciliation between the nation and Germany “one of the greatest things we achieved” since the Second World War.
“Israel is the only democracy in the entire Middle East,” the tenth Chancellor emphasised, adding that its existence is non-negotiable for Germany.