Friedrich Merz faces low approval as reforms falter after one year
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 7
Friedrich Merz faces low approval as reforms falter after one year
12 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 7
The German chancellor leads Europe’s largest economy and biggest military spender, but his standing at home has slumped as his agenda struggles to gain traction.
The weakness clouds Germany’s role as Merz pushes European trade deals, backs Ukraine and criticises US President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran.
His predicament reflects a broader strain on centrist European leaders, who are navigating a weakening world order without the broad domestic support they once relied on.
With record-low approval at home, can Germany's Chancellor truly lead Europe through a global crisis he helped escalate?
Is the escalating US-Europe rift over Iran and trade pushing the EU towards a new, independent economic and security order?
As US troops leave and weapon supplies dwindle, can Europe build its own military fast enough to deter new threats?