A large majority of German citizens doubt the government’s ability to pass the planned extensive pension reform this summer, according to a Forsa survey released for RTL and ntv. Only 23 percent of respondents believe that the governing coalition of the Union and the SPD will manage to implement such a reform, while a decisive 74 percent do not trust the government to do so.
This skepticism is particularly acute in Eastern Germany, where only 16 percent anticipate a successful reform, versus 84 percent who are doubtful. In Western Germany, 24 percent are optimistic, contrasted with 73 percent who remain skeptical. Expectations are also low among employed individuals, with only 21 percent expecting an agreement, and 77 percent anticipating the opposite.
There is no optimistic majority even among supporters of the ruling parties. Among supporters of the Union, only 38 percent believe a successful reform is possible, while 58 percent do not. For SPD supporters, the outlook is slightly higher, with 31 percent predicting an agreement, but 69 percent expressing skepticism. Trust is lowest among opposition supporters: 22 percent of those supporting the Greens believe in a pension reform this summer, and 18 percent of Left Party supporters share this hopeful view. The view among AfD supporters is the most negative, with only 9 percent expecting success and 89 percent doubting the government’s capability to deliver the reform.
The data was collected on June 19 and 22, 2026, based on a sample size of 1,004 respondents.
