Poll shows German leader inspires confidence

Residents of the G-20 nations whose leaders will meet in Germany this week have more confidence in German Chancellor Angela Merkel than in President Trump to conduct world affairs, according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

India and Russia were the only G-20 countries surveyed to have substantially more confidence in Trump. The survey, conducted in February and March, did not include two G-20 countries, China and Saudi Arabia.

Russia and Israel are the only countries in the survey where opinions of Trump are higher than they were for Barack Obama at the end of his presidency.

Even in the USA, more people have confidence in Merkel than Trump, 56% to 46%. “When it comes to two of the key issues that will be discussed at the G-20 summit — trade and climate change — most people in G-20 member countries take a dim view of Trump’s policy proposals,” the center said.

The survey was taken before Trump’s formal decision to remove the United States from the Paris climate accord. But the decision was expected, and 93% of Germans say they disapprove. There is strong disapproval across Western Europe, East Asia and Latin America. Two-thirds of Americans say they disapprove leaving the agreement, although the position sharply divides Democrats (88% disapprove) and Republicans (34%).

Pew surveys typically include 700 to 1,500 interviews per country. The most common sample size is 1,000 interviews.

The Group of 20 is made up of 19 countries, and the European Union has its own representative. The annual meeting draws world leaders to address economic issues. The two-day event will open Friday in Hamburg.