According to a recent survey conducted by the German Trade Union Federation (DGB), a majority of Germans favor a more robust and solidary social welfare system. The “Social State Radar 2026” which surveyed 3,000 people on behalf of the Bremen Chamber of Labour, the Saarland Chamber of Labour, and the DGB, revealed that 77 percent of respondents support a unified pension insurance system. Furthermore, approximately 60 percent of participants desire limitations or the complete elimination of out-of-pocket contributions for nursing care.
Around 75 percent of employees indicated a willingness to pay higher contributions in order to secure stable or improved pension benefits. This willingness to contribute more was also observed among younger workers aged 18 to 29, provided that pension levels remain stable or increase. Regarding healthcare and care, the DGB stated that differences between statutory and private insurance coverage are considered “mostly” unjust. Nearly 80 percent advocate for a citizen’s insurance system, a sentiment that includes the majority of privately insured individuals.
However, the study also points to a growing gap between political debates and the realities of everyday life. Specifically, 74 percent reject any further increase in the standard retirement age, and over half of respondents believe they will be unable to work until the previous standard retirement age of 65 in their current profession.