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2026-05-28 17:50:59
[German Media: CDU Leaders Reportedly Discuss Removing Chancellor Merz, Approval Rating Hits Record Low] (1) According to German media reports, senior members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are reportedly discussing the possible removal of Chancellor Merz, whose approval rating has plummeted to a record low. Participants in the discussion include regional leaders such as North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Worcester, Hesse's Minister-President Rhine, and Saxony's Minister-President Kretschmer. (2) Several media outlets have listed Worcester as a possible replacement (he leads Germany's most populous state and is the highest-rated member of the CDU); while Merz has recently been rated as the world's most unpopular political leader. Other media outlets have called the reports "rumors" and stated that there are no concrete plans yet. (3) Since taking office in May 2025, Merz has increased support for Ukraine and accelerated Germany's rearmament, promising to make the German army the "strongest" conventional army in Europe. He has also called on Germans to work harder, saying that the welfare model is unsustainable. As of mid-April, his disapproval rating was 76%, with only 19% satisfied.
