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Die Welt columnist: Merz's low approval reflects broken faith in leadership
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In a video article published by Die Welt on September 17, 2026, columnist Jan Fleischhauer comments on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's poor personal approval ratings. Fleischhauer states that 'something fundamentally broken has happened' and expresses a loss of faith that the situation can be repaired. He further claims that Germany's state premiers have also lost faith in the chancellor's ability to recover. The article, titled 'Friedrich Merz is the old Federal Republic,' presents this commentary as a reflection of a broader crisis of confidence in Merz's chancellorship, suggesting a deep-seated political dysfunction rather than a temporary setback.
Source report
Columnist Jan Fleischhauer has offered a stark assessment of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's political standing, citing the leader's persistently poor personal approval ratings.
"Something fundamentally broken has happened," Fleischhauer said. "I lack faith that this can be repaired. I believe state premiers also lack that faith."
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