A recent poll by the opinion research institute Forsa indicates that a clear majority of German citizens desires revisions to the federal government’s package of reforms. Reportedly by RTL and ntv, the “Trendbarometer” surveyed 1,001 individuals on September 11 and 14. Seventy percent of respondents believe the federal government should implement further changes to the planned reforms concerning the labor market, taxes, and pensions, which were agreed upon in the summer. Conversely, only 24 percent support passing the agreed-upon reforms largely unchanged through the Bundestag parliament.
The desire for revisions is evident among supporters of all major political parties. Within the Union, 50 percent favor modifications, while 46 percent advocate for maintaining the reform package largely as it stands. This desire for adjustment is particularly strong among supporters of The Left, where 85 percent are in favor of changes. Similarly, 78 percent of AfD supporters, 73 percent of Green supporters, and 62 percent of SPD supporters call for revisions. Interestingly, there are minimal regional differences between East and West Germany: 72 percent in the East want changes, compared to 70 percent in the West.
Turning to fuel prices, a majority of the surveyed citizens favor financial relief. Fifty-eight percent of Germans are in favor of reinstating the so-called fuel discount, which refers to the tax cut for gasoline and diesel of nearly 17 cents per liter that was valid until the end of June but was not extended due to cost concerns. Only 37 percent oppose this reintroduction.
Support for the fuel discount is particularly high in eastern Germany, where 70 percent favor a revival, compared to 56 percent in the west. The Union’s supporters appear nearly split on this issue, with 48 percent supporting the reintroduction and 49 percent against it. Among AfD followers, 79 percent are in favor, while 62 percent of The Left’s supporters and 54 percent of SPD supporters agree. The only group where the majority opposes the return of the fuel discount is among Green supporters, with 27 percent in favor and 68 percent against it.
