The World Cup is long over, and any hopes politicians may have had that the euphoria would lead to renewed faith in the government have been dashed. According to a new opinion poll, only one in five Germans think Chancellor Merkel's grand coalition has done a good job.
The government has been grappling with its reform agenda, including a controversial plan to change Germany's healthcare system. But disagreements over how to finance the system have revealed tensions in the government, and the plans have been criticised by unions and consumer groups.
The latest poll, carried out by the Infratest Dimap Institute, showed a majority of Germans are against the proposed health reforms. Business leaders and economists have also attacked the government's plans to raise value added tax next year, claiming the tax increases will drag down growth.
Since last November's election, Chancellor Merkel has presided over an awkward alliance between the Conservatives and Social Democrats, who in the past were traditional political rivals. While Chancellor Merkel has transformed the country's foreign policy, by mending relations with President Bush and playing a key role in the European Union, back home, critics have attacked her domestic policy agenda.
Chancellor Merkel's own popularity ratings have taken a battering. The survey shows Angela Merkel has lost her position as Germany's most popular politician, and her approval rating is down to 56% - the worst record since she was elected last autumn.
reform agenda - план преобразований (в экономической, политической и социальной сферах)
has come unstuck - не осуществился
have been dashed - зд. рухнули
has been grappling - пытается заниматься
controversial - вызывающий массу споров
healthcare system - систему здравоохранения
poll - социологический опрос
value added tax - налог на добавленную стоимость (НДС)
mending relations - улучшая отношения
have taken a battering - резко снизились

LI 3.9.25