A Forsa survey commissioned by Stern and RTL reveals that 41% of Germans believe the CDU/CSU would have better chances if Friedrich Merz were to step down as Chancellor. This finding emerges amid growing political speculation in Berlin regarding a potential leadership change.
The debate intensified after approval ratings for incumbent Friedrich Merz reached a low point, declining in opinion polls week after week. Hendrik Wüst, the Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, has repeatedly been named in speculation about a possible governmental shift. According to the survey, a majority of the public does not favor a change: 41% feel the Union would benefit if Merz vacated his post and another CDU/CSU member took over, while 53% disagree. Six percent answered that they did not know.
Among supporters of the CDU/CSU, 42% believe that a new leader from their ranks would boost voter approval ratings more effectively than Merz. However, 56% of these dedicated followers remain skeptical. Furthermore, the majority of supporters from other political parties are not optimistic that a different candidate could improve the Union’s standing with voters. Only supporters of the Left Party expressed greater optimism regarding a change in leadership.
While a change of chancellor mid-term is technically possible, the basic law places substantial hurdles in the way. Merz could potentially create an opening for another leader through his resignation, or he could be removed by a constructive vote of no confidence from the Bundestag. Nonetheless, these scenarios are currently considered just as unlikely as snap general elections. For his inner circle, the rumors surrounding a potential change in leadership have been dismissed as “wild speculation”.
The Forsa research institute surveyed 1,008 Germans for the representative collection on May 28 and 29, 2026.
