Germans split on Merz's government as ministers face mixed approval ratings
Almost a year after the federal election, German voters rate most federal ministers and their performance worse than their predecessors, according to a report in Bild (Tuesday edition), citing a survey by the Insa institute.
The poll found that just 22 percent of respondents believe Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is doing a better job than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz (SPD). In contrast, 35 percent say Merz is performing worse, while 33 percent see little difference between the two.
When it comes to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), 22 percent say he is doing better than his predecessor, Christian Lindner (FDP). However, 25 percent rate him as worse, and 35 percent consider their performance roughly equal.
Other ministers—including Economics Minister Katharina Reiche (CDU), Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD), Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD), Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU), and Housing Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD)—also received lower ratings than their predecessors.
Only Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) were rated better than their predecessors by more Germans than worse.
The Insa survey, conducted for Bild between February 13 and 16, 2026, polled 1,001 eligible voters.
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