According to the latest Ipsos political monitor published by “Der Spiegel”, a majority of Germans feel that Friedrich Merz’s leadership as party leader has failed. This survey comes shortly after the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin.
The finding that Merz’s leadership has failed was strongly supported by 48% of respondents, with an additional 19% agreeing to some extent. This judgment is particularly harsh in the East of Germany, where 80% of those surveyed from the Eastern states agreed that his leadership had failed or rather failed. The disappointment surrounding Merz fell slightly less sharply in the western states, at 64%.
The survey results were equally severe regarding the proposition that “Friedrich Merz should resign as party leader and Chancellor.” In this case, 44% of those surveyed fully agreed, and 14% moderately agreed. Conversely, only 11% of respondents felt that a resignation was unnecessary.
Gender differences were noted regarding the rejection of Merz. Approximately 70% of women strongly or moderately agreed that Merz’s leadership had failed, compared to 64% of men.
The German public remains uncertain as to who might succeed Merz should he step down prematurely. Given that the Union remains likely to hold the strongest parliamentary group, the Ipsos monitor presented three potential candidates: CSU leader Markus Söder, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), and NRW regional leader Hendrik Wüst (CDU), alongside the options of “None of the above mentioned” or “Don’t know.”
A significant 43% of respondents were unable to choose one of the named individuals, and nearly 14% responded “Don’t know.” Among the named candidates, Söder performed the best, with 20% of respondents suggesting he could replace Merz. Wüst was preferred by an additional 16%, while Dobrindt received support from 5%.
The Ipsos institute conducted the national poll involving 2,002 people between September 30 and October 4, on behalf of “Der Spiegel”.
