Politics · Germany · 7 hrs ago
German leaders say they have lost confidence in Merz government
A survey of 504 leaders in business, politics and public administration found widespread concern about Germany’s government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Nine in 10 fear the government is too weak to solve problems, while only 9% say it is strong enough.
After about a year and a half in office, the coalition of Merz’s CDU and the SPD also faces doubts about the economy: 58% of business leaders rate Germany’s business climate negatively, and 59% do not expect major reforms during this legislative term.
More leaders say their companies are cutting jobs: the share rose from 26% two years ago to 42%, while the share seeking more staff fell from 50% to 28%.
Views of ministers vary sharply: Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt receives the strongest rating, while Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is rated negatively by 81%.
Support for strict separation from the AfD has fallen, from 51% in February 2026 to 42% in October, as more leaders say they are open to cooperation in some cases.
The survey also found that many leaders see Russia as a serious security threat, including through cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage and drones.
A survey of 504 business, political and administrative leaders found that 90 percent worry Germany’s coalition government is too weak to solve problems.
Only 9 percent consider the government strong enough, according to the poll commissioned by FAZ and Capital.
The survey found that 58 percent of business leaders rated Germany’s business environment as less than good.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil received a negative assessment from 81 percent of respondents.
Support for strict separation from the AfD fell between February and October 2026, while openness to limited cooperation increased.
- Who
- 504 leaders from business, politics and public administration took part in the survey.
- What
- The survey found widespread concern that the German government is too weak to solve problems.
- When
- Published on November 13, 2026; the article says the coalition had been in office for a year and a half.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- Not stated
Supporters of strict separation from the AfD
Supporters of limited cooperation with the AfD
Approach to the AfD
Supporters of strict separation from the AfD
42 percent backed strict separation or ruling out cooperation in October 2026.
Supporters of limited cooperation with the AfD
51 percent were open to cooperation in specific cases in October 2026.
51 percent of respondents wanted strict separation from the AfD or ruled out cooperation.
Support for strict separation was 42 percent, while 51 percent were open to cooperation in specific cases.
Bild published the survey findings.
- Survey sample
- 504 leaders from business, politics and public administration
- Government seen as too weak
- 90 percent
- Government seen as strong enough
- 9 percent
- Negative assessment of Lars Klingbeil
- 81 percent
- Germany’s business environment rated less than good
- 58 percent
- Open to specific cooperation with the AfD
- 51 percent in October 2026