Disapproval of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his government has climbed to its highest level since he took office in May, according to a survey published Saturday by the INSA institute for Bild.

The poll, conducted September 18-19 among 1,001 respondents, found that 62% are dissatisfied with Merz's performance, up three points from the previous survey, while just 26% expressed approval. Negative views also extended to the governing alliance between Merz's Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), with 63% saying they were unhappy and only 23% satisfied. No margin of error was provided.

Merz came to power after the February 23 snap election, when his CDU/CSU bloc secured 28.6% of the vote, finishing ahead of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 20.8%. The SPD collapsed to a historic low of 16.4%, but nevertheless joined Merz in a coalition following Olaf Scholz's resignation as chancellor.

Mounting criticism

Analysts say the downturn in support reflects concerns over both policy and leadership style. Economists have faulted the government for being too slow on structural reforms, particularly pensions, while Merz's calls to relax Germany's strict "debt brake" to boost defense and infrastructure spending have drawn fire from fiscal conservatives.

His hard line on migration, promoting tougher border controls and faster deportations, has been divisive, appealing to parts of the CDU/CSU base but stirring criticism at home and in Brussels. Meanwhile, his stance on arms exports to "Israel" during the Gaza genocide has left some allies questioning his decisiveness.

Read more: Germany blocks EU push to sanction 'Israel' over war on Gaza

Political pressures

The coalition's troubles come against the backdrop of a surging AfD, which has gained ground by channeling public frustration over migration and economic insecurity. With discontent rising on both the right and left, Merz faces the challenge of holding together an uneasy partnership with the SPD while convincing voters his government can deliver results.