GETTY Angela Merkel has come under criticism for her open door immigration policy

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The German Chancellor has seen her approval ratings slip in recent months following a series of high-profile attacks. Half of the 501 people questioned in the Emnid poll were against Merkel serving another term beyond the 2017 election.

Just 42 per cent of people want her to remain. News of declining approval ratings will come as a bitter blow for Merkel, with the federal elections just a year away. In November, the same poll found 45 per cent of voters wanted Merkel to say on, with 48 per cent against.

GETTY There have been protests against Merkel in Germany and abroad

Merkel has remained coy on whether she plans to stand for re-election. Last week, she said: “I will comment on that at the appropriate time. I’m sticking to that.” Merkel’s deputy has admitted underestimating the impact her open door policy has had on Germany.

Angel Merkel's awkward kisses Wed, June 29, 2016 German chancellor Angela Merkel is certainly one of EU's most powerful women, we take a look through the awkward embraces she has with world leaders. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 17 Angela Merkel's awkward embraces

More than one million migrants entered the country last year. Frank-Juergen Weise, head of Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, said he expects around 300,000 refugees to arrive in the country this year.

GETTY Merkel visited the Czech capital of Prague last week