Germany faces growing public concern over country's track
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
84% of Germans have expressed concern and dissatisfaction with their government’s policies, according to a survey by the Insa Institute, according to DW.
In Germany, 64% of survey participants believe that none of the possible coalitions is capable of solving the country’s problems, and only 11% of those surveyed expressed minor concern about the current state of affairs.
"42% equally blamed the coalition parties for the government’s weakness, 37% believe the main blame lies with the CDU/CSU, and 14% with the SPD. Exactly half of the respondents believe that all ruling forces are blocking the government’s work," the report states.
The survey results also indicate that a relative majority of German residents oppose the idea of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) participating in the government. 47% percent of respondents opposed cooperation with the AfD, while 41% supported it. Among CDU/CSU voters, two-thirds of those surveyed reject cooperation with the AfD.
"If the government’s planned major reforms in taxation and social policy fail, 67% of respondents would like Chancellor Friedrich Merz to step down. Even among CDU/CSU voters, 46% would support replacing the chancellor in such a situation," the report states.
Of the potential candidates for chancellor listed in the Insa poll, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius received the highest support: 29% believe he would be better at implementing reforms than Merz.
At the same time, exactly a quarter of Germans believe that Markus Söder, the head of the Bavarian CSU, would be better suited for the job.
The survey, conducted from May 13 to 15, included 1,001 respondents.
The United States announced the withdrawal of its troops from its NATO ally Germany, prompting active discussions in Europe about options for defending against a potential attack by an external aggressor.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Europe will have to strengthen its defense capabilities in light of the reduced US presence.
