Survey shows Germans expect end of Merkel coalition

Nearly two in three Germans think chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right coalition will break up in the wake of an embarrassing presidential vote, a poll indicated today.

The survey released by broadcaster ARD showed 62% of the 799 people polled think Ms Merkel’s coalition with the Free Democrats will end soon.

It says 68% called the election of Christian Wulff a “disgrace” for Ms Merkel because it took three rounds of voting for her choice to be elected as many coalition members broke ranks to vote for the opposition candidate.

The survey also shows 77% of voters say Ms Merkel has lost control of her coalition government.

The poll, carried out yesterday by Infratest Dimap, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5%.