They are decidedly weaker than 10 years ago. In 2013 the CDU/CSU almost achieved a full majority in parliament, which is insane considering it was four parties represented. Germans are easily duped by the veneer of stability, which Merkel basically embodies.
Edit: Also, Covid saved their asses. Germans in a Crisis always rally around the ruling party, even if this ruling party significantly exacerbated said crisis.
They are decidedly weaker than 10 years ago. In 2013 the CDU/CSU almost achieved a full majority in parliament, which is insane considering it was four parties represented. Germans are easily duped by the veneer of stability, which Merkel basically embodies.
Edit: Also, Covid saved their asses. Germans in a Crisis always rally around the ruling party, even if this ruling party significantly exacerbated said crisis.