Result of the reader survey on the break-up of the traffic light coalition

The end of the coalition is welcomed

At 91.9%, almost all respondents were in favor of the end of the traffic light coalition and the path to new elections. Only 8.1% would have been in favor of a continuation until the regular federal election in 2025. This clear majority underlines the widespread conviction that a change is necessary to break political deadlocks and create the basis for a new course.

Positive expectations for economic development

The economic assessment of those surveyed after the failure of the traffic light coalition is interesting. The survey results show a surprisingly optimistic attitude towards the economic future: 68.6% of respondents believe that the failure of the coalition could even open up opportunities and enable an improvement in the economic situation. Although 17.4% predict a moderate deterioration, they believe that the situation will stabilize. In contrast, only 4.7% fear a significant economic deterioration and expect serious consequences for their companies.

The results show that the majority of respondents hope for new impetus for the economy, particularly through possible changes in political direction.

Opportunities and risks of early elections

The majority of respondents see the premature dissolution of the government as an opportunity to improve the political and economic situation: 45.3% see significant opportunities for positive changes for the economy and new opportunities for companies and 43% expect at least some positive effects, particularly through a stabilizing realignment. Only 3.5% do not expect any significant opportunities, and likewise only 3.5% believe that the risks outweigh the opportunities and that uncertainties could affect business.

The figures show that many respondents see a new election as an opportunity to initiate necessary reforms and improve economic conditions through more stable and business-friendly policies. The data suggests that there is confidence in a fresh political start and hope that political change will open up new avenues.

Influence of the political situation on competitiveness

The results for the question of how the political situation affects the competitiveness of the company show a clear split in the assessment of the situation. A third of respondents (37%) see the political changes as an opportunity that strengthens the competitiveness of their companies. However, a larger proportion of respondents (40.7%) see political uncertainty as a major challenge to competitiveness. This group states that the political situation makes long-term planning and investments more difficult. Around 22.1% state that the political situation has no significant impact on the competitiveness of their company.

Divided confidence in political stability

The survey on confidence in future political stability shows a strongly divided assessment, with only 3.5% of respondents stating that they have "very high" confidence in future political stability and 33.7% stating that they have "fairly high" confidence. This means that just over a third (37.2%) of respondents are confident that political continuity and stability can be ensured despite the new elections.

On the other hand, however, 37.2% of respondents express "rather low" or "very low" confidence. Just over a third are also concerned about the future and question stability.

An equally large group, namely 19.8% of respondents, state that they have a "neutral" attitude towards future political stability - i.e. neither great expectations nor strong concerns. This neutrality could also be an expression of a pragmatic attitude in which respondents consider both positive and negative scenarios to be possible, depending on how the incoming government tackles the challenges. Overall, the figures suggest that there is a fundamental need for a government that makes clear decisions and provides stability.

Debate on the suspension of the debt brake

The question on suspending the debt brake is answered in different ways. 30.6% of respondents support the suspension if the investments flow into sensible and long-term profitable areas such as infrastructure, education and climate protection and 25.9% are in favor under certain conditions and demand clear repayment strategies and sustainable investment plans. This shows that clear and transparent planning is crucial to secure approval. A smaller but significant group of 18.8% even fully support the suspension of the debt brake. Only 22.4% reject the suspension of the debt brake and fear uncontrolled national debt in the long term.

These figures reflect an open-mindedness to increase government spending in a targeted manner, as long as this is economically sensible and future-oriented. However, the rejection of a quarter of respondents shows that a significant proportion of the population sees fiscal stability as the basis for trust in politics.

Priorities for political reforms

When asked about the most urgent political reforms, respondents expressed clear preferences. Tax incentives and business support (27.9%) received the highest level of approval. Companies are calling for relief and incentives that give them scope for investment and growth. Labor market and social reforms (26.7%) are also seen as important. Investments in digitalization and infrastructure (22.1%) ranked third. This shows the need for modern and efficient infrastructure, which is crucial for companies and Germany as a business location.

The significantly lower level of approval for areas such as promoting innovation and climate protection measures shows that respondents prefer measures that can be implemented in the short term, which strengthen competitiveness and bring economic stability.

A call for change

The survey shows broad support for the end of the traffic light coalition and the desire for early elections. Respondents hope that a fresh political start will open up more economic opportunities and create a more stable, business-friendly government. At the same time, there is a clear expectation that politicians will deal with investments in a transparent and responsible manner, particularly in the event of a possible suspension of the debt brake. Tax incentives, labor market reforms and a modern infrastructure are the primary concerns here.