Most Germans expect Chancellor Friedrich Merz to leave office before 2029 elections

According to a YouGov poll, 54% of respondents believe Merz will leave office before the end of the current parliamentary term, with 18% expecting a change before the end of 2026. Only 29% are confident he will remain chancellor until the next scheduled elections. The poll also revealed declining support for Merz within the CDU: 67% said his authority in the party has weakened, despite recent government and leadership reshuffles.