Public Discontent with New Schwarz-Rot Coalition Surges

A significant portion of the German population expresses dissatisfaction with the newly formed government, consisting of the CDU/CSU and SPD, just 100 days after its inception. A recent survey conducted by the Civey polling institute for Web.de News reveals that 39% of respondents feel less positive about the Schwarz-Rot coalition compared to the previous Ampel government.

In contrast, only 34% report feeling more satisfied with the current administration, indicating a five-point gap in favor of the prior coalition. Meanwhile, 26% of those surveyed perceive no significant differences between the two governments, while 1% abstained from expressing an opinion.

The survey highlights a stark divide in satisfaction levels, especially among supporters of the CDU and CSU, where 78% express greater contentment with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's leadership compared to that of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the SPD. However, dissatisfaction prevails among supporters of other political parties, including potential SPD voters, where only 34% express satisfaction with the new coalition while 36% report feeling less satisfied.

Regarding the government's effectiveness in addressing key issues, respondents exhibit a cautious optimism primarily concerning defense policies, with 36% believing that the Schwarz-Rot coalition could make progress in this area. In contrast, only 25% foresee improvements in economic matters and job creation, with the same percentage expecting advancements in migration and integration.

Expectations for improvements in internal security stand at 22%, while a mere 21% anticipate a better foreign policy. Additionally, only 8% of respondents believe that the coalition will succeed in reforming pension and social systems, and an equal percentage expresses confidence in its ability to modernize state functions and enhance digital infrastructure. Notably, just 5% foresee improvements in healthcare, and only 2% expect progress in environmental and climate protection initiatives.

The overall confidence in the coalition's problem-solving capabilities appears to be low, as nearly half of the respondents (49%) doubt that the current government will advance the country in any of the identified areas. This survey, which included about 5,000 participants aged 18 and older, was conducted between August 8 and August 12, highlighting a critical moment for the German government as it navigates its early challenges.