Germans Still Favor Merkel Over Merz Despite Her Legacy

4 min read

Recent polling data reveals a surprising level of public support for Angela Merkel among many Germans, even as her tenure is marked by significant policy challenges. A YouGov survey asked respondents whether Merkel would be better, worse, or just as well suited as current Chancellor Friedrich Merz in addressing Germany’s current issues. The result was striking: 48% of Germans believe Merkel would be better suited than Merz, while 29% think she would be just as well or as poorly suited, and only 8% believe she would be worse. A separate Forsa poll published in early September showed an even more dramatic shift, with 7% of respondents considering Merz a better chancellor than Merkel, while 71% found him worse. This sentiment is not limited to the general public, as 57% of CDU and CSU supporters also hold this view.

Economic Legacy and Reform Credits

The poll results suggest that many Germans still look back on Merkel’s economic performance with favor, despite the controversies surrounding her tenure. During her time in office, Germany experienced strong economic growth, which many attribute to the reforms initiated by her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder of the SPD. Schröder’s policies, including tax cuts and labor market liberalization, laid the groundwork for the economic prosperity that followed. However, the credit for these achievements has often been shifted to Merkel, who is frequently portrayed as the architect of Germany’s economic success. In reality, the reforms were implemented under Schröder, and Merkel benefited from the groundwork laid by his administration.

Merkel herself did not introduce major tax or labor market reforms. Instead, she raised taxes, including increasing the VAT rate from 16% to 19% in 2007 and adding three percentage points to the top income tax rate for high earners. Social spending also rose significantly, from 26.9% of GDP in 2007 to nearly 32% in 2021. These decisions have had long-term consequences, contributing to Germany’s current fiscal challenges.

Infrastructure and Energy Policies

One of the most pressing issues stemming from Merkel’s policies is the state of Germany’s infrastructure. During her 16 years in office, the country’s public investment in infrastructure declined, despite a strong economy and low interest rates. By 2015, the KfW estimated the backlog of municipal investment at €132 billion, and by 2018, it had risen to nearly €159 billion. This lack of investment has led to the deterioration of critical infrastructure, including crumbling bridges and dilapidated schools, which are now part of the legacy of the Merkel era.

Another significant consequence of Merkel’s policies is the country’s high energy costs. Her decision to accelerate the nuclear phaseout following the Fukushima disaster in 2011 had far-reaching effects. This decision, combined with her reliance on Russian gas despite warnings from the United States and Eastern European countries, has left Germany with some of the highest electricity prices in the world. The “Energiewende” or energy transition, which she championed, has cost Germany over €500 billion and has transformed the energy sector into an ideologically driven planned economy.

Immigration and Political Shifts

Merkel’s approach to immigration, particularly during the 2015 refugee crisis, has also had lasting political consequences. Her policies led to a significant influx of migrants, which many Germans now view as a major challenge. This migration policy played a key role in the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has become the strongest political party in the country. Founded in response to Merkel’s “euro rescue” policies, the AfD’s support grew rapidly, rising from 3% in August 2015 to 11% by January 2016 and ultimately securing 12.6% of the vote in the 2017 federal election, compared to 4.7% in 2013.

The political landscape in Germany has been reshaped by these policies, with the AfD gaining significant traction among voters who are disillusioned with the mainstream parties. The rise of AfD reflects a broader shift in public sentiment, driven by concerns over immigration, economic stability, and national identity.

Other Policy Failures

Merkel’s tenure also saw a failure to address several critical issues, including Germany’s lag in digitalization and the erosion of its defense capabilities. When she left office in 2021, the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military, was lacking in essential equipment such as operational aircraft, helicopters, ships, ammunition, and personal gear. This decline in defense readiness has left Germany ill-prepared to meet modern security challenges, despite its NATO commitments.

Additionally, the pension system has remained unchanged despite decades of demographic shifts. Instead of implementing necessary reforms, Merkel’s government introduced additional benefits, including the option to retire at 63, which has placed a significant financial burden on the system.

Merz’s Responsibility and Political Challenges

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced criticism for failing to initiate the necessary changes after Merkel’s departure. He had promised a shift in policy, but his efforts have been hampered by the need to maintain a coalition with the SPD, which many consider to be a major obstacle. Merz’s decision to enter into this coalition was voluntary, and it has left him in a difficult position, effectively making him the leader of a sinking ship.

Despite the challenges, there is hope that Merz can reverse some of the trends set by Merkel. However, the scale of the issues he faces—ranging from economic stagnation to political fragmentation—suggests that the path forward will be complex and demanding.

Source: PJ Media

Written by

Connor Davis