ARD-Deutschlandtrend survey: Germans unite in frustration over the government

Ahead of Germany's 1990 reunification, a recent poll found that 20% of East Germans but 44% of West Germans see personal advantages in reunification. More than half of West German respondents felt it had no major impact on their lives, while only a quarter saw no significant impact. Center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) suffered significant losses in recent state elections, dropping by 10% in Saxony-Anhalt and the Berlin city-state, and failing to cross the 5% representation threshold in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's support has further declined, with only 40% of his CDU supporters still satisfied with him. The governing coalition of CDU, CSU, and SPD is increasingly unpopular, with just 10% of respondents satisfied with the federal government's work and the chancellor's performance. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) benefits from voter dissatisfaction, with 27% nationwide support.

The environmentalist Greens have gained slightly to 16%, while the socialist Left Party dropped to 11%. Only one in eight Germans feel optimistic about the future, while nearly nine in 10 express concern. Major worries include artificial intelligence control, US President Donald Trump's policies, climate change, potential Russian attacks, and future living standards.

Germany's aging population is straining the healthcare system as the number of long-term care recipients has risen from 2.8 million in 2015 to 6.5 million. However, the government's proposed reforms are viewed as contradictory, with 60% of respondents believing that cuts should be based on individual financial capacity. Only one in six voters believes the federal government can ensure the social security system's sustainability, highlighting the need for clear and socially balanced reforms.