A newly released survey by Germany’s ARD program, “Deutschlandtrend” reveals a significant level of public unease regarding the United States’ recent intervention in Venezuela, highlighting a growing divergence in transatlantic relations and raising concerns about the global application of power. The poll, conducted by the research institute Infratest between Monday and Wednesday, questioned 1,323 eligible voters and indicates that 50% of Germans believe Germany and the European Union should openly oppose U.S. actions in Venezuela, even if it risks antagonizing President Donald Trump.
A further 39% advocate for a more cautious approach, prioritizing the avoidance of provoking the U.S. administration. This division underscores a complex political landscape where maintaining a stable relationship with Washington is balanced against concerns over international law and sovereignty.
The survey results demonstrate a fractured political response within Germany. While support for a robust stance against the U.S. intervention is substantial across much of the political spectrum, divisions are discernible. Within the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, opinion is nearly evenly split, with 48% favoring a firm reaction and 45% preferring restraint. Conversely, a majority (58%) of AfD supporters express a preference for caution, indicative of a skepticism towards interventionist foreign policies.
Conversely, strong opposition to the U.S. actions is prevalent among supporters of the Green Party (78%), the Left Party (78%) and the Social Democratic Party (69%), reflecting a long-standing tradition within these parties of critiquing U.S. foreign policy and advocating for multilateralism.
The U.S. detained and ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, triggering the events underlying the poll. A stark 72% of respondents deemed the U.S. military action unjustifiable, with only 12% believing it was warranted. A further 16% expressed uncertainty or chose not to answer.
Beyond the specific Venezuela situation, the survey unearthed widespread anxiety regarding the increasing prevalence of “might makes right” in international affairs. A resounding 81% of Germans voiced significant or very considerable worries regarding the implications of this trend, while a mere 15% expressed limited or no concern. This reveals a broader sentiment of vulnerability and a deep-seated apprehension about a potential erosion of international norms and legal frameworks, further compounded by the recent U.S. actions in Venezuela. The findings suggest a need for a serious reassessment of Germany’s role within the transatlantic alliance and its capacity to advocate for a rules-based international order.
