Merz's Coalition Stumbles, Satisfaction Plummets to 22% After Four Months
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition faces a rocky start, with satisfaction plummeting to 22% after four months. The coalition is divided on key issues, including fiscal policy and social benefits, as the SPD and CDU/CSU struggle to maintain voter approval.
The coalition's division is evident in its approach to fiscal policy. The CDU/CSU advocates for austerity, while the SPD favors increasing revenue through taxes. Conservative politicians have shown willingness to compromise on inheritance tax, seeking SPD accommodation on issues like 'citizen's income'. However, all parties agree that changes to the pension system are necessary due to an ageing population, despite differing views on specifics.
The government's approval has taken a hit, with the CDU/CSU and SPD both experiencing significant drops in satisfaction, reaching around 29% each. Dissatisfaction is high at about 67-68%, and the AfD is gaining popularity, reaching parity or overtaking the Union in some polls at around 25-26% support. The overall government approval has fallen to about 22-23%, much lower than the previous coalition's 47%.
The coalition partners are discussing contentious issues at Villa Borsig in Berlin, including the national budget and welfare payments. They agree on combating organized fraud involving citizen's income but disagree on whether there is systematic abuse. The SPD wants to increase taxes on large wealth, inheritances, and income, while the CDU/CSU opposes nearly all tax increases. The coalition also wants to strengthen the German armed forces and inject more money into the military, but they diverge on the issue of conscription.
The coalition's early struggles highlight the challenges of governing with divided priorities. As the government grapples with contentious issues, voter dissatisfaction grows, and the AfD gains traction. The coming months will be crucial in determining the coalition's ability to address these challenges and regain voter confidence.
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