Germany’s Merz Dismisses Coalition Collapse Speculation

(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz moved decisively Tuesday to silence mounting speculation about his government's future, ruling out both a snap election and a minority administration as opinion polls showed his public support at near-historic lows.

Addressing a business audience in Berlin, Merz reaffirmed his commitment to steering the coalition between his Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) through to the end of the full legislative term, brushing aside doubts fueled by slumping approval figures.

"I'm saying this very clearly and unequivocally: a minority government is not an option for me. I will not enter into one, and I will not bring one about," Merz said, according to a German news agency.

He was equally dismissive of calls for early elections, cautioning that a protracted campaign would only compound the economic headwinds facing Europe's largest economy at a critical moment.

"Does anyone seriously believe that a country in the midst of an election campaign and such an economic crisis can make the necessary decisions we need right now?" he said.

The Chancellor's remarks come as fresh polling data paints a damaging picture of public sentiment toward his leadership. A survey published Sunday by the INSA institute — released as Merz marks one year in office since taking power on May 6, 2025 — found that 71 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, with only 19 percent voicing approval.

The same poll revealed that a mere 16 percent of voters regard the coalition government's first year in office as a success.

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