A sweeping majority of Germans express profound distrust in the current federal government’s ability to secure adequate retirement incomes, according to a newly released YouGov poll commissioned by the German Insurance Association (GDV) and reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau. The survey, encompassing over 2,200 respondents, reveals that a staggering 79% harbor little to no confidence in the government’s handling of pension security. Only 15% voiced trust in the ruling coalition, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU.
This pervasive lack of faith transcends demographic boundaries, consistently reflected across all age groups. While the older generation (over 70s) maintains a marginally more lenient assessment, with one in five still expressing some trust, this figure dwindles to a mere 8% among the 50-59 age bracket. Geographic location, urban versus rural settings and gender demographics show remarkably similar patterns of skepticism.
The study highlights a deepening concern regarding the sustainability of Germany’s pension system. Over three-quarters of those surveyed perceive the ongoing demographic shift as a significant or very significant strain on the system, while more than half deem the current statutory pension scheme to be inherently unfair across generations. Interestingly, the most favored policy responses to address this demographic challenge involve bolstering private and occupational pension schemes, indicating a desire for individual responsibility and market-driven solutions. Despite anxiety regarding the system’s future, proposed measures like contribution increases (supported by only 10%), raising the retirement age (17%), or injecting further funds via increased taxation (favored by 33%) garner limited support, suggesting a widespread reluctance to place additional burdens on current taxpayers.
The government’s planned overhaul of private supplementary pension schemes has also met with a cautious response. Over half of respondents advocate for lifelong pensions, while a similar proportion believe that government-supported investment products should strike a balanced approach between security and risk-a testament to the public’s risk aversion. Jörg Asmussen, CEO of the GDV, emphasized, “More than half desire reliable pensions and for a substantial portion, security is paramount” highlighting the public’s appetite for leveraging capital markets while demanding a foundation of trust.
The newly formed pension commission, tasked with developing reform proposals by mid-2026, faces a significant hurdle in regaining public confidence. Asmussen underscored a critical prerequisite for any successful reform: “Without security, there can be no trust-and without trust, the reform of private pension provision will fail to achieve its objectives”. This sentiment throws into sharp relief the political challenge facing Chancellor Merz and his government: demonstrating a genuine commitment to stabilizing the pension system and restoring faith in its ability to provide for future generations while navigating the complex interplay of economic pressures and generational expectations. The commission’s recommendations will be scrutinized not only for their economic viability but also, crucially, for their perceived fairness and – above all – their ability to inspire confidence.