Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Pressure mounts on Merz after reshuffle
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's CDU/CSU party, is facing a lot of pressure after a recent cabinet reshuffle that upset many in his own party.
His popularity is very low, and his party is trailing in the polls behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
The AfD is gaining support by taking a strong stance on migration and capitalizing on recent events.
Merz's job seems safe for now, but the AfD is hoping to win big in upcoming state elections in September.
Friedrich Merz faces pressure after a fractious cabinet reshuffle.
CDU/CSU trails in polls behind the far-right AfD.
Merz's personal popularity is at 15%, with only 49% of his party's supporters satisfied.
AfD leads national polls at 27%, ahead of CDU/CSU at 21%.
Upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in September.
- Who
- Friedrich Merz, CDU/CSU, Alternative for Germany (AfD)
- What
- Pressure on Merz after a fractious cabinet reshuffle and internal dissent
- When
- July 29, with upcoming elections in September
- Where
- Germany, particularly in the eastern states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Why
- Internal party dissent, low approval ratings, and the rise of the AfD
Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU
Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Leadership and Competence
Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU
Merz's CDU/CSU bloc is trailing in the polls and faces internal dissent after a fractious reshuffle, with Merz's personal popularity at 15%.
Alternative for Germany (AfD)
The AfD has overtaken the conservatives in perceptions of competence and ability to solve Germany’s problems, leading national polls at 27%.
Migration Stance
Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU
CDU/CSU has not explicitly seized on the migration issue as a central campaign point.
Alternative for Germany (AfD)
The AfD has gained popularity with a hard line on migration, capitalizing on recent events like the Berlin Pride attack.
- Chancellor
- Friedrich Merz
- Party
- CDU/CSU
- Opposition Party
- Alternative for Germany (AfD)
- Upcoming Elections
- September, Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Merz's Approval Rating
- 15%
- AfD's Polling
- 27%
- CDU/CSU Polling
- 21%
- Resignation Sparking Reshuffle
- Jens Spahn