Recent polling data reveals a shifting landscape of public expectations for German political leaders as the country heads into a year of significant elections. Citizens have indicated which figures they would like to see take on greater responsibility, and which issues demand the most urgent attention from policymakers.
Shifting Expectations for Key Political Figures
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (65, SPD) is the only top politician for whom a plurality of Germans – 43 percent – desire increased influence, though this represents a slight decrease from the previous year. All other leading political figures are expected to have less influence in 2026, according to the survey.
Following Pistorius, respondents cited Bavarian MP Markus Söder (37 percent, down 1 percentage point), AfD Chairwoman Alice Weidel (35 percent, up 4 percentage points), and former BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht (30 percent, down 2 percentage points) as individuals they would like to see with more responsibility. Conversely, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has seen a decline in support, with only 29 percent wanting him to have more influence – a 3-point drop from 2025. A significant 59 percent of those polled oppose increased influence for Merz, a 4-point increase year-over-year.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt saw the largest increase in positive sentiment, with 25 percent (+11 percentage points) desiring more of his involvement. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann (21 percent, +5 percentage points) and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (27 percent, +4 percentage points) also saw improvements in their ratings.
Lowest Confidence Ratings
Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU parliamentary group, received the lowest confidence rating, with 64 percent of respondents expressing a desire for him to have less political responsibility. Former Green Party leader Ricarda Lang and Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke also face significant disapproval, with 59 percent opposing increased influence for both, mirroring the disapproval rate for Chancellor Merz.
Top Concerns for 2026
Securing the pension system is the most pressing concern for Germans, with 57 percent identifying it as the most urgent issue – a 3-point increase from the previous year. Affordable housing (48 percent) and the economic crisis (46 percent) follow closely behind. Migration (43 percent), elder care (40 percent), and combating extremism and terrorism (39 percent) also remain significant concerns.
These concerns come as Germany prepares for what some analysts are calling a “super election year.” Political scientist Oliver Lembcke of the University of Bochum warns that the upcoming elections could plunge Germany into a “political chaos year,” as centrist parties risk losing their ability to form functional governing coalitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which politician is most favored for increased responsibility?
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is the only top politician for whom a plurality of Germans (43 percent) wish to see increased responsibility.
What is the biggest concern for Germans heading into 2026?
The security of the pension system is the most pressing concern, cited by 57 percent of those polled.
What is the potential outcome of the upcoming elections?
According to political scientist Oliver Lembcke, the upcoming elections could lead to a “political chaos year” due to the potential loss of governing power by centrist parties.
Given these shifting public sentiments and pressing national concerns, what role do you believe individual citizens can play in shaping the political discourse and outcomes in Germany’s upcoming election year?
