According to a survey by the polling institute Infratest, deep dissatisfaction marks a significant portion of voters one year after the red-black coalition took office. The research, conducted with 1,303 participants for the ARD “Deutschlandtrend” segment, shows that a clear majority of Germans-86 percent (five out of six)-are dissatisfied with the substantive direction of the government’s work. Only 12 percent of those surveyed expressed satisfaction.
Confidence in the government’s ability to manage key areas is also waning. Only one in four respondents (24 percent) currently trust the federal government to strengthen the German economy, a decline of 31 percentage points compared to June 2025. Similarly, barely one in four (23 percent, down 14 points) believes the government can ensure greater social security. Regarding migration, only one in three citizens (34 percent, down 4 points) trusts the red-black coalition to effectively regulate and limit irregular migration.
Results were mixed when asked which party had been most impactful in the current governmental work. Thirty percent felt that the Union was the strongest party, while a good fifth cited the SPD (22 percent). However, more than one in three respondents (36 percent) felt that both parties had been equally effective, or that neither party had truly succeeded.
Looking ahead, the coalition has announced plans to introduce a major tax reform by January 2027, though the document remains unclear about its funding mechanism. Public opinion polls the optimal path forward on several tax fronts. Currently, 67 percent view an increase in income tax for high earners as the right approach (an increase of 2 points since September 2025), while 26 percent feel it is wrong (a drop of 3 points). Regarding the taxation of large inheritances, a slight majority (54 percent) thinks higher taxes are necessary (up 3 points), compared to 40 percent who disagree (down 2 points). Finally, while 38 percent believe that completely abolishing the Solidarity Surcharge is the correct step, a narrow majority of 53 percent believe retaining the surcharge is the right way.
