A recent survey indicates a limited willingness among the German public to support significant reforms and austerity measures, even as a large majority acknowledge the necessity of fundamental changes to the country’s economic and social systems. The survey, conducted by the Institute for Demoscopy Allensbach on behalf of the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, reveals a disconnect between recognizing the need for change and accepting the associated consequences.
Only 23 percent of respondents indicated acceptance of raising the retirement age, while a mere 7 percent considered a reduction in future pension benefits as acceptable.
Researchers highlight a particular contrast in responses when participants were presented with a range of potential social and economic developments anticipated in the coming years. One group was asked to predict which of these developments they expect to materialize and a substantial majority foresaw changes impacting key areas. Eighty-four percent anticipate a rise in the retirement age and 78 percent expect future retirees to receive lower pensions than current beneficiaries. Significant majorities – ranging from 58 to 50 percent – also predict a decline in the quality of healthcare, reductions in state-funded services like culture, limitations to social security provisions and an increase in weekly working hours.
When the other half of the surveyed group was asked which of these developments they would consider acceptable given the challenges facing Germany, none garnered support from a significant minority. The most widely accepted possibility – though still rejected by over two-thirds of respondents – was a reduction in state funding for certain areas like cultural initiatives, with 33 percent deeming it acceptable. All other proposed changes faced rejection rates exceeding 75 percent.
The survey, involving 1,051 participants, was conducted between August 1st and August 14th, 2025.