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German government's approval rating plummets to 11% in new survey

One year in, Germany's leaders are under fire as public trust collapses. From inflation to immigration, voters demand urgent change—but will the government listen?

The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner that reads "Climate...
The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner that reads "Climate Crisis is a Crisis". The street is lined with trees, light poles, and buildings, and the sky is visible in the background.

German government's approval rating plummets to 11% in new survey

Germany’s coalition government is facing strong public criticism exactly one year into its term. A new survey reveals widespread dissatisfaction, with only a small fraction of citizens approving of its performance. The findings highlight deep frustration across multiple policy areas.

The survey, carried out by Forsa for RTL/ntv, questioned 1,002 people between April 30 and May 4, 2026. It found that 87 percent of respondents were unhappy with the government’s work. Just 11 percent expressed satisfaction—a sharp decline from 38 percent in July 2025.

Discontent was particularly high over key issues. Between 80 and 90 percent criticised the handling of infrastructure, inflation, social welfare reforms, and economic policies. Illegal immigration also drew heavy criticism, with only 32 percent approving the government’s approach and 60 percent disapproving. Opinions were split on whether governing had become harder due to current crises. While 45 percent agreed, 48 percent disagreed. However, a strong majority—76 percent—rejected the idea that citizens had unrealistic expectations of the government.

The survey results show a clear drop in public confidence since the coalition took office. With approval ratings now at 11 percent, the government faces significant pressure to address concerns over economic stability, infrastructure, and social policies. The findings reflect a broad consensus on dissatisfaction, with few areas escaping criticism.

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