According to a survey by the opinion research institute YouGov, commissioned by “Welt am Sonntag” nearly half of the German population has lost patience with the struggling center-right and center-left ruling coalition. Specifically, 47% of respondents indicated that the fractured governing alliance should be dissolved.
When questioned about what should happen after an early end to the current coalition, Germans showed a clear preference: 38% favor calling early elections, while only 9% would favor establishing a minority government led by the CDU/CSU. Meanwhile, 30% of respondents wish for the continuation of the existing black-and-red alliance, and 24% were unable to choose or remained undecided.
Discontent levels show a noticeable regional divide. Trust in the coalition has declined significantly more in Eastern Germany than in Western Germany. In the East, 46% of respondents advocated for an early end to the coalition followed by new elections, compared to 35% in states in the West. Furthermore, the desire to continue the government alliance was higher in the West (31%) than in the East (22%). In both regions, only 9% desired a minority government.
A strong preference for immediate elections is clearest among middle-aged demographics across the country. Forty-six percent of respondents aged 50 to 59 years old expressed this wish, and 41% of those aged 40 to 49 years old concurred. However, younger voters of the 18 to 29 age group preferred the early election scenario least, with only 27% supporting it.
Voter allegiance also reveals distinct opinions. Supporters of the CDU/CSU parties appear largely disappointed; 45% in this group want Merz to continue governing with the Social Democrats, while 22% favor new elections and 20% support a transfer to a CDU-led minority government.
In contrast, SPD voters show much higher support for maintaining the status quo, with 56% opting for the continuation of the black-and-red coalition, though 22% also supported new elections. Similarly, among Green Party supporters, the desire for the coalition’s continuity is relatively strong at 48%, with 18% preferring new elections.
These findings were gathered from 2,353 citizens surveyed in Germany between May 8th and May 11th.
