# 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. - Title: 48% of Germans believe Merkel more capable than Merz · Dw - Summary: 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%… - Keywords: germany, angela merkel, friedrich merz, chancellor, survey, german unity day, oktoberfest, united states, ukraine, water policy, deutsche bahn, family ticket - Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/germany-news-many-believe-merkel-more-capable-than-merz/live-79528092?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf - Read time: 1 min - Topics: germany, angela merkel, friedrich merz, chancellor, survey, german unity day, oktoberfest, united states, ukraine, water policy, deutsche bahn, family ticket ## 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 ## Key takeaway A survey shows 48% of Germans believe former Chancellor Angela Merkel is more capable than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address Germany's challenges.