Friedrich Merz, who won the February 23 national election, has seen his poll ratings slide following the coalition agreement he reached two weeks ago - the only two-way coalition available if he stick

The agreement was concluded relatively quickly but still took about six and half weeks, during which the country had been virtually rudderless at a critical moment for Europe.

Germany's chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz faces scrutiny over potential deviations from coalition promises with the Social Democrats. Concerns arise regarding pledged income tax cuts and minimum wage hikes.