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German Government Faces Record Low Approval in New Ipsos Poll

Only one minister escapes the backlash as public trust crumbles. Why is Defence Minister Pistorius the lone exception in a sea of discontent?

The image shows a map of Germany with the provinces highlighted in red and blue, indicating the...
The image shows a map of Germany with the provinces highlighted in red and blue, indicating the results of the 2016 election. The text on the map provides further details about the election results, such as the names of the candidates and the date of the election.

German Government Faces Record Low Approval in New Ipsos Poll

A new Ipsos survey has revealed low public confidence in Germany's current government. Most ministers received poor ratings, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz facing particularly strong disapproval. Only one cabinet member, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, secured a majority approval.

The poll, conducted between 27 February and 1 March 2026, showed Chancellor Merz (CDU) with just 25% approval. A striking 75% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his performance.

Among other ministers, Chancellery Minister Thorsten Frei (CDU) stood at 30% approval. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) followed closely with 32%, while Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) reached 31%. Overall, only 24% of Germans reported satisfaction with the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition government. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) remained the sole exception, holding a 51% approval rating. Though this marked a 9-point drop from June/July 2025, his score still far exceeded those of his colleagues. It also placed him above his previous ratings during the Ampel coalition period.

The survey highlights a clear divide in public opinion. While most ministers struggle with low approval, Pistorius remains the only figure with majority support. The findings reflect broader dissatisfaction with the coalition's performance.

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