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Merkel's popularity plummets partly due open-door migrant policy - poll

German Chancellor Angela Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
BERLIN, Aug 28 (KUNA) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel's domestic popularity has declined, a poll showed on Sunday, with 50 percent of Germans against her serving a fourth term in office after a federal election next year.
Support for Merkel has weakened after a string of violent attacks on civilians in July, three of which were carried out by asylum seekers.
This has raised opposition to Merkel's open-door migrant policy, which allowed hundreds of thousands from the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere into Germany last year.
When asked about her plans for the 2017 election in an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Merkel said she would comment on this "in due course", but did not elaborate.
Half of the 501 people questioned in the Emnid poll for the Bild am Sonntag newspaper were against Merkel staying in office beyond the 2017 election, with 42 percent wanting her to remain.
Germany's political parties are gearing up for next year's election. Asked in the ARD interview when Germans would get tax relief given that Germany has a budget surplus, Merkel said that would come "in the next legislative period." Merkel's Social Democrat coalition partners have promised voters increased spending on infrastructure, education and research. (end) nj.hb