Nearly one year after the Bundestag election, a survey published by “Bild” – citing data from the Insa Institute – shows that most German voters rate the current federal ministers less favorably than their predecessors. The poll, conducted from 13 to 16 February 2026 among 1,001 eligible voters, provides a snapshot of public opinion on the new cabinet.
– “Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU)”
” 22 % of respondents say he is doing a better job than former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
” 35 % believe Merz’s performance is worse.
” 33 % view the two as roughly comparable.
– “Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD)”
” 22 % rate him as better than the previous minister, Christian Lindner (FDP).
” 25 % judge his work as inferior.
” 35 % consider the two equivalent.
Other incumbents who received lower ratings than their predecessors include:
– Economy Minister Katharina Reiche (CDU)
– Labour Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD)
– Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD)
– Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU)
– Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU)
– Building Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD)
Only two ministers are viewed more favorably than their predecessors by a majority of respondents:
– Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU)
– Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU)
These findings reflect a general trend of public skepticism toward the current cabinet, with the notable exception of the interior and foreign ministries, where a slight majority still regards the new incumbents as an improvement over those who came before them.
