Bundestag
Survey: Citizens disagree about the need for new elections
There is great dissatisfaction with the traffic light coalition – this was also noticeable at the farmers’ protests in Berlin, where signs with crossed-out traffic lights could be seen. But should there be a new election? photo
© Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa
There is great dissatisfaction with the federal government – but should there be a new election? Citizens disagree on this. Opinions vary widely depending on party affiliation.
Despite great dissatisfaction with the federal government, according to a survey, citizens are divided on whether the federal election should be brought forward. In the ForsaA survey commissioned by the magazine “Stern” found that 51 percent were in favor of a new election and 46 percent were against it. 3 percent of the 1,001 respondents did not express an opinion.
The demand for a new election is represented in the political debate primarily by the opposition parties CDU/CSU, AfD and Left. This is also reflected in the survey: The supporters of the Union (56 percent in favor) and AfD (91) are in favor of a new election, while those of the governing parties SPD, Greens (87 percent each against) and FDP (56) are against it.
However, the constitutional hurdles are high. In 2005, SPD Chancellor Gerhard Schröder intentionally lost a vote of confidence in the Bundestag. Afterwards, the then Federal President Horst Köhler dissolved parliament.
However, according to other surveys, there is great dissatisfaction. According to a survey by the Elections research group for the ZDF Political Barometer in January, more than two thirds are dissatisfied with the government, and only around a quarter say it is doing a good job.