A new ARD-Deutschlandtrend poll by infratest-dimap, conducted with about 1,300 representative voters from February 2–4, finds rising anxiety about social inequality in Germany and only modest shifts in party support. A clear majority of respondents said they worry the gap between rich and poor is widening and that injustice is increasing.
Key findings
– 62% said injustice is increasing, up two percentage points since last July. Most respondents think the rich-poor divide is growing. 13% more people than a year ago believe tax and social-security burdens are unfairly distributed. Only 9% think foreign nationals or asylum-seekers receive preferential treatment.
– When asked which party they trust most to deliver greater social justice, 24% chose the Social Democrats (SPD) — the highest share among parties.
Party ratings and government satisfaction
– Support for the governing conservative alliance, CDU/CSU, stood at 26%, a small decline from the previous month. The SPD gained two percentage points, a rebound after a period of weaker results.
– The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) dipped slightly but remained the second-strongest party at 24%. The Greens held steady at 12% and The Left at 10%.
– Overall satisfaction with the government ticked up slightly in the poll.
Political personalities
– Pollsters link the SPD’s modest upswing to party leader and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, whose personal approval rose by five points after he took a tougher line criticizing policies of US President Donald Trump.
– Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is the most respected politician in the survey, followed by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU). Chancellor Friedrich Merz ranks lower, with 25% approval.
Debate over work, social policy and budgets
– Chancellor Merz has drawn controversy with remarks questioning whether prosperity can be maintained alongside a four-day workweek and an expanded work-life balance; he cited average sick-leave of 14.5 days per employee and asked whether that level is justified.
– The CDU’s economic faction has criticized so-called “lifestyle part-time” and proposed narrowing the right to part-time work—introduced in 2001—so it would apply mainly to those caring for children or sick relatives or pursuing education.
– Social spending remains the largest item in the federal budget, driven by pension supplements, welfare payments and health costs. A group of CDU-affiliated entrepreneurs even suggested removing dental treatment from mandatory health-insurer coverage.
Reform discussion
– In January a government expert commission published proposals to modernize the welfare state. There is broad public support for streamlining access to benefits: 71% said it would be positive if social benefits could also be applied for online.
This article was originally written in German. If you want regular updates on German politics and society, DW offers a weekly Berlin Briefing newsletter.