Public concern over social inequality in Germany is rising, according to a new nationwide opinion poll, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc loses ground amid heated debate over welfare reforms.
The ARD-Deutschlandtrend survey, conducted by infratest-dimap between February 2 and 4 among roughly 1,300 voters, shows slight losses for Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance and modest gains for their coalition partners, the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The findings come after weeks of controversy over proposals to restructure Germany’s welfare state.
At the start of February, the CDU/CSU stood at 26% support, down slightly from January. The SPD gained two points, a rare upward shift, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) slipped marginally but remains the second-largest force at 24%. The Greens and the Left Party held steady at 12% and 10% respectively.
A clear majority of respondents expressed concern about growing inequality. Sixty-two percent said social injustice is increasing, up two points from July last year, and most believe the gap between rich and poor is widening. Thirteen percent more than a year ago now say taxes and social security contributions are unfairly distributed.
Among all parties, the SPD was seen as most capable of promoting social justice, with 24% of respondents placing their trust in the center-left party. Only 9% said they believe foreigners or asylum-seekers receive preferential treatment over Germans, a decline from previous surveys.
Pollsters attribute the SPD’s gains partly to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, whose popularity rose five points after he adopted a tougher tone toward U.S. President Donald Trump. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius remains Germany’s most respected politician, followed by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, while Chancellor Merz trails with an approval rating of 25%.
Merz has drawn criticism for recent remarks questioning Germans’ work-life balance and sick leave, as well as proposals from CDU-linked groups to curb part-time work and social benefits. While there is broad agreement that Germany’s welfare system needs reform, the poll suggests voters are increasingly wary of changes they see as deepening inequality.
