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48% of Germans believe Merkel more capable than Merz
48% of Germans say former Chancellor Angela Merkel is better suited to handle Germany's challenges than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In brief
48% of Germans say former Chancellor Angela Merkel is better suited to handle Germany's challenges than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz. A survey shows 48% of Germans believe former Chancellor Angela Merkel is more capable than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address Germany's challenges. Originally reported by…
Survey reveals
48% of Germans believe former Chancellor Angela Merkel is better suited to tackle Germany's challenges than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“48% of Germans believe former Chancellor Angela Merkel is better suited to tackle Germany's challenges than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz”
Merkel's return
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel signed postcard prints of her official portrait at Berlin's Bode Museum on Sunday.
“Visitors stood in queues at the Bode Museum on Berlin's Museum Island to grab a copy”
Merkel's legacy
Merkel's 2024 memoirs defended her leadership during 16 years as chancellor from 2005 to 2021.
“Merkel led the country between 2005 and 2021”
Merz's visit
Current Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv as Ukraine faces its fifth winter of Russian invasion.
“Merz is expected to announce new military aid for Ukraine along with other initiatives”
Unity Day
Germany's Unity Day commemorates October 3, 1990, when East Germany joined the Federal Republic.
“The national holiday commemorates October 3, 1990, when the former East Germany joined the Federal Republic of Germany”
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich attracted 7.4 million visitors, a record number for the festival.
“Oktoberfest in Munich this year was attended by a record 7.4 million people”
Water crisis
German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider calls for water policy overhaul after summer heat waves.
“German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said Germany needs to formulate a new approach to water policy”
Ultralight crash
Two people died after a ultralight plane crashed into a vineyard in southwestern Germany.
“Two people have died after a two-seater ultralight aircraft crashed into a vineyard in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg”
Social spending
Welfare groups and unions urge Berlin to stop social spending cuts to elderly care system.
“A coalition of welfare groups and unions has urged the German government not to go through with planned cuts to social spending”
Family ticket
Deutsche Bahn to offer 'Family Ticket' permanently from November for families of up to five.
“Germany's rail operator Deutsche Bahn intends to offer its 'Family Ticket' (Familienticket) deal permanently from November”
Holocaust tribute
German-American Holocaust survivor Irene Butter died at age 95 after speaking about her experiences.
“German-American Holocaust survivor Irene Butter passed away on Friday at the age of 95”
Anti-war protests
Thousands protested against war and military buildup in Berlin and Stuttgart.
“Thousands of people protested against war, military buildup and possible conscription in Berlin and Stuttgart”
East-West gap
East German economy still trails western states by 36 years after reunification.
“More than three decades after German reunification, the economy in the eastern states still lags behind the western states”
Merz's approval
Merz faces record low approval ratings since becoming chancellor in May 2025.
“Merz faces record low approval ratings since becoming chancellor in May last year”
Unity Day host
Düsseldorf to host next year's German Unity Day commemoration.
“Düsseldorf has been announced as the host city for next year's official commemoration of German Unity Day”
What happens next
Merkel's legacy and Merz's policies will shape Germany's response to economic and security challenges.
“Merkel's legacy and Merz's policies will shape Germany's response to economic and security challenges”
The bottom line
A survey shows 48% of Germans believe former Chancellor Angela Merkel is more capable than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address Germany's challenges.
