Government relief measures insufficient for the majority of German citizens

A majority of Germans consider the support package for citizens in the face of soaring energy prices insufficient, while concern about the economic situation is growing.

At the same time, however, the desire for continued support for Ukraine remains at a high level, although those who believe in its victory over Russia are significantly reduced. As for voting intentions, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) continues to lose strength and now falls below 20%.

According to the «Political Barometer» of the second channel of German public television ZDF, 58% of respondents think that the government is doing «too little» to relieve citizens from the consequences of the energy crisis, while 30% believe that it is doing «just enough» and 5% think that the state is giving «too much».

In the same poll, 40% anticipate that a year from now their economic situation will be worse, while only 9% expressed this view in January. In contrast, 49% (73% in January) believe that their economic situation will be unchanged. 10% expect an improvement (16% in January).

Regarding the effort to decouple from Russian energy, accelerating the use of renewable energy sources is approved by 93% of respondents. 63% agree to prolonging the operation of nuclear power plants and 61% agree to the use of lignite.

Despite the increase in prices, however, 71% of citizens still agree with supporting Ukraine, with 20% expressing an opposite view. At the same time, only 26% say they believe in victory over Russia, with 59% responding negatively and 15% expressing no opinion.

In terms of voting intentions, the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) and the Greens share first place with 26%, while the Social Democratic Party loses two points and drops to 19%. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) collects 12% (+1), the Liberals (FDP) 7% (+1) and the Left 4% (-1), falling below the 5% threshold required to enter the Bundestag.

The most popular politicians are top Green ministers: the Minister of Economy Robert Habeck, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Verbok, the Minister of Agriculture Jem Ezdemir. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is only in fourth place.

For the coronavirus pandemic, 49% considers the situation «problematic» to «very problematic», while 50% considers it «not so problematic» or «not problematic at all». The 65% nevertheless states that if a new wave of the pandemic occurs in the autumn, stricter containment measures will have to be taken. 74% of respondents think it is right to close schools and 68% think a lockdown is appropriate.