A large majority, 64 percent, of the population believes that the welfare state, in its current form, is no longer financially sustainable. This was the result of a survey conducted by the polling institute Forsa for the magazine Stern (Tuesday edition). Thirty-four percent disagree with this assessment. Two percent did not express an opinion.
This means that nearly two-thirds of the population support a statement made several months ago by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), who said: “The welfare state, as we have it today, is no longer financially sustainable with what we achieve economically.” However, according to other surveys, almost all individual reform proposals from the Christian Democrats, such as those concerning part-time work or dental coverage, were rejected by the public.
Doubts about the financial sustainability of the welfare state are particularly strong among supporters of the Christian Democrats (79 percent) and the AfD (84 percent). But a majority of SPD voters also share this view (58 percent). Clear differences appear within left-leaning parties: a majority of Green supporters (57 percent) and Left Party voters (66 percent) do not believe the welfare state faces fundamental financial problems.
For the representative survey, Forsa interviewed 1,006 people on February 5 and 6, 2026, on behalf of Stern and RTL Deutschland. The statistical margin of error is plus/minus three percentage points.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
