A recent Forsa survey commissioned by the broadcasters RTL and ntv reveals that the vast majority of German citizens are dissatisfied with the work of the federal government. Only 18 percent of the public reported satisfaction, while 82 percent were unhappy. This criticism is slightly more pronounced in Eastern Germany, where dissatisfaction stands at 87 percent, compared to 81 percent in the West.
Dissatisfaction extends across political affiliation categories. Even among supporters of the governing parties, the mood is largely critical. Among Union supporters, 46 percent view the government’s performance positively, though a majority of 54 percent remain unsatisfied. The judgment is even harsher within the SPD base: only 28 percent are satisfied, while 72 percent are dissatisfied.
The assessment turns even more negative among opposition party supporters. Just 17 percent of Green party supporters are satisfied, with 83 percent disagreeing. Among the Linke supporters, the dissatisfaction is overwhelming, with only 6 percent reporting satisfaction and 94 percent being unsatisfied. The most extreme negativity is found among AfD supporters, where satisfaction hovers at a mere 2 percent, and 97 percent rate the government’s work negatively.
Federal politicians are also facing widespread criticism. With regard to Friedrich Merz (CDU), only 14 percent of the public are satisfied with his performance, contrasted with 85 percent who are unhappy. Lars Klingbeil (SPD) fares slightly better with 18 percent satisfaction, yet 74 percent still evaluate his work negatively.
Support for these top politicians varies significantly even within their own party ranks. Among CDU and CSU supporters, 48 percent are satisfied with Merz, while 51 percent are unsatisfied. However, among SPD supporters, only 17 percent rate Merz positively, with 83 percent viewing him negatively.
For Klingbeil, satisfaction among SPD supporters stands at 36 percent, though 59 percent are dissatisfied. Among CDU/CSU supporters, 26 percent are pleased with his work, while 69 percent are not. Opinion among the Green party supporters gives 23 percent a positive rating, compared to 63 percent who are negative. Among Linke supporters, only 6 percent are satisfied, while 87 percent are not. Finally, only 3 percent of AfD supporters expressed approval of his work, with 95 percent voicing dissatisfaction.
