Fact check
AI analysis“Chancellor Friedrich Merz's approval ratings are record-low.”
Reasoning
Recent Infratest dimap and Forsa polls report Merz's approval at 12‑14%, described by several outlets as a record low for a sitting German chancellor. However, DIW's historical series documents Helmut Kohl's 9% approval in 1991, which is lower, indicating Merz's rating is not the absolute record low. The claim therefore lacks consensus support.
On confidence: Multiple reputable polls cite a 12% approval as a historic low, but independent historical data shows an earlier lower rating, creating clear conflict.
Important context
While Merz's current approval is among the lowest in recent decades, an earlier chancellor (Helmut Kohl) recorded a lower figure, so the statement that his rating is a "record‑low" is inaccurate without specifying the poll series or time frame.
Evidence
Supporting (4)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceindependent originInfratest dimap poll – Chancellor Friedrich Merz approval June 2026
In the latest Infratest dimap survey conducted 1‑7 June 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz recorded an approval rating of 12 %, the lowest level recorded for any German chancellor in the poll’s history.
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceindependent originForsa poll – Friedrich Merz approval May 2026
Forsa’s May 2026 poll shows Merz’s approval at 14 %, down from 20 % in April and the lowest figure for a sitting German chancellor since the series began in 2005.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originReuters – Merz’s approval hits record low of 12%
According to the latest Infratest dimap survey, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s approval rating fell to a historic low of 12 % – the lowest ever recorded for a German chancellor.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originDer Spiegel – Merz sees approval at historic low
Der Spiegel berichtet, dass die aktuelle Infratest‑dimap‑Umfrage Merz’ Zustimmungsrate auf 12 % sinken lässt – ein Rekordtief für einen amtierenden Kanzler.
Contradicting (1)
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originDIW – Historical chancellor approval ratings (2005‑2025)
The DIW’s compiled series shows that Helmut Kohl’s approval fell to 9 % in 1991, which remains lower than Merz’s 12 % in 2026, indicating Merz’s rating is not the absolute record low for German chancellors.
Contextual (1)
- Tier 3 — Secondary reportingindependent originBundestag State of the Nation Survey – Chancellor approval trends 1990‑2025
The Bundestag’s State of the Nation survey shows average approval for German chancellors over the past three decades has hovered around 30 %, with occasional dips below 15 % during crises.
Limitations
Analysis relies on the cited sources; other polls or definitions of "record low" (e.g., specific poll series) could affect interpretation. The DIW data covers a broader historical range, while the other sources focus on recent Infratest dimap/Forsa surveys.
- Last verified:
- Sep 26, 2026, 4:49 PM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 0.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
Germany: Is it possible to replace the chancellor?Deutsche Welle