Public Opinion on the New Coalition Agreement: Mixed Reactions from Germans

The recently established coalition agreement between the CDU-led Union and the SPD has sparked skepticism among the German populace, according to a new INSA survey conducted for BILD. As the coalition settles into its role, early indicators suggest that confidence in the government's ability to govern effectively is lacking.

The survey reveals that 47% of participants believe the coalition will not govern successfully, while only 37% express confidence in their capability to handle governmental affairs. A remaining 16% of respondents are uncertain or chose not to disclose their opinions.

Concerns about economic management are particularly pronounced. Merely 24% of those surveyed trust that the coalition can deliver on its promise of a significant economic transformation, with more than one-third of respondents pessimistically predicting that economic conditions will remain stagnant. Alarmingly, 30% of participants foresee a deterioration of the economic situation, a troubling sign for a coalition that emphasized economic growth as a key election issue.

Views on immigration policy also reflect low expectations. The survey indicates that 38% of individuals believe that immigration issues will continue as they have, while 28% anticipate a worsening of the situation. In contrast, 26% of respondents are hopeful for improvements regarding asylum regulations.

Apprehensions extend to the government's fiscal policies. Both Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, and Lars Klingbeil, the SPD leader, have pledged to implement spending cuts, yet only a third of respondents find this promise credible. More than half of those surveyed, 52%, do not expect the government to fulfill its savings commitments.

Despite the prevailing skepticism, some aspects of the coalition agreement have received approval. About 60% of participants view the reduction of the electricity tax positively, and half of those surveyed support the proposed income tax cuts for lower and middle-income earners. Additionally, 47% agree with the notion of returning asylum seekers at the borders in coordination with neighboring countries.

As the coalition prepares to present its formal agreement, the mixed responses from the public indicate that significant challenges lie ahead for the newly formed government. The path to rebuilding public trust and demonstrating effectiveness will require decisive and transparent actions addressing the concerns raised by citizens.