Germany: Voters are skeptical of reform proposals
The German government is aiming to get the country back on track with a wide range of reforms. However, the latest Deutschlandtrend survey shows that
The German government is aiming to get the country back on track with a wide range of reforms. However, the latest Deutschlandtrend survey shows that the public remains unconvinced. "See, we can get it done after all." That was the message the leaders of the three governing parties wanted to convey to the public on Thursday morning, July 2. It took seven hours of negotiations at the Chancellery for the leaders of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parties and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) to arrive at their new 34-point reform package. The reforms range from changes to the pension and healthcare systems to billions in tax cuts, reduced bureaucracy, and the liberalization of labor laws. The success of these reforms will matter not only to the health of the economy and the stability of the governing coalition, but also to the general mood in Germany. German voters remain very concerned In general, things have not been going well in Germany. After seven years, the economy remains in crisis and has yet to regain momentum. According to the latest Deutschlandtrend survey conducted for public broadcaster ARD, a good three-quarters of voters view this as a major problem. These findings are based on a survey of 1,317 eligible German voters conducted by the polling firm infratest dimap from June 29 to July 1. Currently, one in four people in employment are worried about losing their jobs.
Concerns about excessive immigration to Germany have eased slightly, although a narrow majority remains worried about "too many foreigners." Climate change and its effects are once again firmly on people's minds. In June, Germany suffered through a heat wave with historically high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). Now, more than two-thirds of people now fear that global warming will destroy the foundations of life. More investment to protect against heat Some 89% of respondents believe that policymakers must allocate more funds to ensure that infrastructure such as transportation networks, schools, and hospitals are better prepared for future heat waves. Additionally, 58% of respondents believe that climate protection must not be neglected, even when faced with other crises. However, large differences emerge when party affiliation is taken into account. Among voters for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) — a party with some far-right factions — 71% disagree. Some 59% of respondents believe that industry, rather than individual consumers, has a greater responsibility when it comes to climate protection. However, 54% oppose incorporating the environmental costs of products into their prices, for example through a CO2 tax. Pension system challenges Back in June, a commission of experts presented a package of measures to reform the pension system. The governing coalition has now decided to implement all of these measures. Demographic trends are putting massive pressure on the pension system. As the proportion of elderly people continues to grow, an ever-smaller number of working-age people must support them.
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