A pervasive sense of pessimism regarding Germany’s political trajectory has gripped the nation heading into the new year, according to a newly released Forsa survey commissioned by RTL Deutschland. The poll, conducted December 18th and 19th, 2025, surveyed 1,012 citizens and reveals a deep-seated skepticism about the future across multiple key areas, placing significant pressure on the governing coalition.
While a notable exception exists concerning Germany’s defense capabilities, where 47% anticipate improvement while only 11% foresee decline, the broader outlook paints a stark picture. The overwhelming majority-60%-express concern about the deteriorating economic climate and potential job losses, with only 11% anticipating positive developments. This anxiety extends to the social safety net, with 59% fearing a weakening of crucial support systems. The education sector similarly struggles, with 51% anticipating a worsening situation within schools and the broader learning environment.
Perhaps most telling is the widespread apprehension surrounding inflation, where a staggering 69% expect prices to continue their upward trajectory, fueled by ongoing global uncertainties and domestic economic vulnerabilities. Concerns also dominate perceptions of infrastructure (47% negative) and domestic security (43%), suggesting a broader societal unease.
This widespread disillusionment translates to immense expectations for the government. A resounding 77% believe the administration must prioritize addressing the concerns of the majority, signaling a critical need for a shift in policy focus. Furthermore, 67% demand a significantly accelerated pace of reforms, highlighting frustration with the perceived sluggishness of the government’s response to pressing challenges.
The survey sheds light on a specific demand directed at Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with 63% arguing that he should curtail grandiose promises that ultimately fail to materialize, implying a deficit in transparency and accountability within the leadership. Finally and perhaps revealing the corrosive effect of internal divisions, nearly half (48%) identified reduced internal conflict and improved cooperation amongst the coalition parties as essential for a political reset, suggesting that a fractured government is actively undermining public trust. The data suggests a significant mandate for change, placing the onus on the ruling coalition to demonstrably address citizen concerns and rebuild faith in the political process.
