100 days in power: on the stiff rope, Merz wants to “regain the confidence” of the Germans

“Germany is back”, such was the promise of Friedrich Merz by becoming Chancellor of Germany. Meanwhile, But almost a hundred days after bringing the conservatives back to power, he has never been so unpopular.

Nevertheless. Consequently, “it is obvious that the economic and migratory situation, the two central objectives of the government, improve,” says Wolfgang Schroeder, political scientist at the University of Cassel.

The results of the first 100 days of the government only satisfy 29% of the Germans. Meanwhile, the worst score since its entry into office, according to a survey of public television Ard published on Thursday.

Migratory – 100 days power: stiff rope,

After a legislative campaign dominated by immigration. In addition, the Merz government has further gave a ride to its migration policy, turning a little more back to the generous reception policy of the former Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015.

In addition to expulsion of increasing foreigners. In addition, including those of 81 criminals to Afghanistan and 40 people to Iraq, the government has decided to repress asylum seekers. Similarly, It has also changed the legislation in order 100 days power: stiff rope, to limit family reunification for certain categories of refugees. Furthermore, to extend the access times to German nationality. For example, Mr. Merz hopes to “regain confidence” of voters seduced by the extreme right.

Economy: Winds contrary – 100 days power: stiff rope,

After two years of recession. linked in particular to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the increase in energy costs that followed, the first European economy hoped to straighten the head this year.

Upstream of its taking office. Friedrich Merz obtained a fund of 500 billion euros to modernize the infrastructure over twelve years, as well as the relaxation of strict debt rules to finance defense efforts. Its bet: permanently relaunch German growth by stimulating strategic investments.

But in the second quarter, the German gross domestic product fell 0.1%, after an increase of 0.3% in the first. For all 2025, the IMF tables a quasi-stagnation (+0.1%).

Customs duties 100 days power: stiff rope, of 15% imposed by the United States on European products since Thursday should cause “significant damage” to the German economy. dependent on its exports, recognized Friedrich Merz.

International stature found

As he had promised. Friedrich Merz is more involved than his predecessor to Chancellery Olaf Scholz in Foreign Affairs. “He speaks very well English. He has a statesman’s presence. He really seems to enjoy ”on the international scene. underlines the political scientist Ursula Münch from the University of Tutzing.

In addition to the strengthening of links in Europe. notably “with France, the United Kingdom and Poland”, the new chancellor “also takes care to establish acceptable relations, in any case functional, with the American president” Donald Trump to whom he visited in June, adds Uwe Jun, his colleague from the University of Trèves.

The continuous rise of defense efforts, a requirement from Mr. Trump. aims to provide Germany 100 days power: stiff rope, with the “most powerful conventional army in Europe”, a turning point in a deeply pacifist country since the horrors of Nazism.

Under its leadership. Germany has also started a change of course vis-à-vis Israel, of which it was so far one of the most faithful supporters, announcing Friday to suspend the exports of arms that this country could use in Gaza.

On the other hand. on Ukraine, Friedrich Merz finally maintained the CAP of his predecessor Olaf Scholz: Berlin always is reluctant to provide kyiv Taurus, cruise missiles with more than 500 kilometers.

Hiccup

A first crack appeared at the beginning of the summer between conservative. social democratic allies, unable to agree on a reduction in the price of energy for individuals. A few days later, a disagreement broke out about the appointment of three judges to the Karlsruhe Constitutional Court.

A significant number of conservative 100 days power: stiff rope, deputies have rejected one of the candidates. supported by the Social Democrats, for his positions which they consider too liberal on abortion or the port of the veil. Like his failure in the first round of his own election in early May. this hiccup highlighted the line of ridges on which Friedrich Merz evolves.

With only twelve more seats than the majority required in the Bundestag, the coalition has a low margin of maneuver. However. conflicting subjects, including the 2026 budget and the reforms of the citizen allowance and the debt brake, await it at the start of the school year.