ECNETNews Report
Friedrich Merz Declared Winner in Viewer Poll
February 16, 2025, 11:45 PM
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has emerged as the perceived winner of the latest viewer poll following a political debate. He was viewed as the most competent and credible candidate, suggesting a higher level of trust among the audience for his ability to lead the country.
In a recent survey, 32 percent of viewers identified Friedrich Merz as the standout performer from the political debate. In comparison, 25 percent considered Chancellor Olaf Scholz to be the most impressive. Meanwhile, 18 percent of the viewers believed that Robert Habeck from the Greens and Alice Weidel of the AfD were the most effective speakers, while 7 percent could not identify a clear winner.
The gap widens significantly when participants were asked who they believe is most capable of leading the country, with 42 percent supporting Merz, as opposed to just 19 percent for Scholz. The perception of leadership capability was reflected in the responses for Weidel, who garnered 16 percent, and Habeck, who only received 13 percent.
Merz also led in the competency evaluation, with 38 percent of respondents viewing him as the most competent candidate and 29 percent finding him the most credible. Although 25 percent rated Scholz as more capable, only 19 percent considered him credible. Both Habeck and Weidel were deemed competent by 16 percent of viewers, while 26 percent rated Habeck as the most credible of the group, with Weidel following closely at 19 percent.
In terms of personal appeal, Robert Habeck was perceived as the most sympathetic candidate, with 34 percent of viewers expressing favorable opinions. Merz and Scholz trailed with 23 percent and 19 percent, respectively, while Weidel was seen as the least sympathetic candidate at 17 percent.
