Chancellor Friedrich Merz Plummets to Last Place in Popularity Rankings as Economic Crisis Deepens

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz drops to last place in BILD ranking as growth forecasts are slashed to 0.5% amid rising economic fallout from the Iran war.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 8:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

A Historic Popularity Deficit for the Conservative Leader

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reached a new political nadir, falling to the absolute bottom of a ranking of the country’s top 20 political figures. According to a survey published by the BILD newspaper on Tuesday, Merz dropped from 18th to 20th place, securing the title of Germany's most unpopular politician with a record-low score of 28.9 points. This erosion of public trust marks a significant departure from the early days of his administration, suggesting a growing disconnect between the Chancellor’s policy direction and the expectations of a weary electorate.

Internal Dissent Erodes the Chancellor’s Conservative Base

The most alarming aspect of the poll for the Chancellery is the collapse of support within Merz’s own political home. Data reveals that the decline is not merely a reflection of opposition sentiment but is deeply entrenched within his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU). Among conservative voters, a staggering 58% hold a negative opinion of the Chancellor, while only 10% view him favorably. This internal disillusionment has allowed rival conservative figures, such as CSU leader Markus Söder and North Rhine-Westphalia State Premier Hendrik Wüst, to significantly outperform him in the eyes of the party faithful.

The Economic Shadow of the Conflict in Iran

A primary driver of the Chancellor’s unpopularity appears to be the mounting economic fallout from the Iran war, which has triggered a volatility in energy markets. Merz recently addressed these pressures, expressing public skepticism regarding the lack of a clear exit strategy from the United States in the conflict. The war has directly translated into rising fuel costs and supply chain disruptions, leaving the German public to grapple with a heightened cost of living. This geopolitical friction has placed Merz in the difficult position of managing a domestic crisis largely fueled by external military entanglements he cannot control.