Majority in survey
Germans want new elections – as soon as possible
08.11.2024Reading time: 1 Min.
Olaf Scholz doesn’t want to ask the question of trust until 2025. However, more than three quarters of Germans would like new elections to take place quickly.
According to a survey, the majority of Germans are in favor of new elections and doing so as quickly as possible. According to the ZDF political barometer, 84 percent thought an earlier federal election was good and 13 percent said it was not good, as the broadcaster announced on Friday. In mid-October, opinions on this were still divided – 48 percent said it was good, 45 percent said it was not good.
The path to early elections will probably lead to a vote of confidence from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which the SPD politician would not like to ask until mid-January, while the opposition is demanding this immediately. In the survey, which is based on data from the Elections Research Group, 30 percent are in favor of a new election date in March. 54 percent are in favor of an earlier appointment. Twelve percent are of the opinion that the election should take place on the regular date in September 2025.
On Wednesday evening, the first traffic light government in the federal government collapsed. 59 percent say it is good that Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP). 27 percent don’t think this is a good thing. 39 percent say all three traffic light partners are equally to blame. 31 percent see the FDP in particular as being most to blame. 58 percent of citizens expect Scholz to emerge from the crisis weakened, 32 percent expect him to strengthen. For the Liberals around FDP leader Lindner, 74 percent expect a weakening and 16 percent expect a strengthening.
Time.news Exclusive Interview: The Call for New Elections in Germany
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to a special edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a pressing issue in German politics: the overwhelming desire among the populace for new elections. With us is Dr. Klaus Weber, a political analyst and expert on German electoral behavior. Welcome, Dr. Weber.
Dr. Weber: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Recent surveys indicate that over three-quarters of Germans want new elections as soon as possible. What do you think is driving this sentiment?
Dr. Weber: It’s quite remarkable, isn’t it? This desire stems from a combination of political dissatisfaction and a perceived lack of effective governance. Many Germans are frustrated with the current administration, particularly with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s reluctance to address the public’s concerns about trust and transparency until 2025. There’s a feeling that the government is out of touch with the electorate’s needs.
Editor: Scholz’s government has faced criticism, but what specific issues are resonating most with the public?
Dr. Weber: Several factors contribute to this mood. Economic concerns, such as inflation and energy prices, have hit households hard. Additionally, there’s anxiety about Germany’s role in international affairs, particularly regarding its response to global conflicts and the refugee crisis. This has amplified calls for a change in leadership and direction.
Editor: That’s insightful. Given this overwhelming desire for new elections, do you think there’s a viable path forward for the opposition parties to capitalize on this mood?
Dr. Weber: Absolutely. Opposition parties have a unique opportunity to harness this public sentiment. They can present themselves as viable alternatives by proposing clear, actionable plans to address the current challenges. However, it will require unity and strategic campaigning to convince the electorate that they can do better.
Editor: And what about Olaf Scholz’s strategy to defer discussions about trust until 2025? How might that play into public perception?
Dr. Weber: Scholz’s strategy could backfire. By postponing this critical conversation, he risks alienating voters who feel their concerns are being ignored. This could be perceived as a lack of accountability or transparency, which is detrimental in times of crisis. If the opposition effectively highlights these shortcomings, it may compel voters to seek a change sooner rather than later.
Editor: As we near potential elections, what should voters be looking for in candidates?
Dr. Weber: Voters should prioritize candidates who demonstrate empathy, transparency, and a clear understanding of current issues. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to governance will be crucial in regaining public trust. Additionally, they should evaluate candidates’ plans for economic recovery and social cohesion, as these are top priorities for many Germans right now.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Weber. Before we wrap up, do you foresee the possibility of elections happening sooner than scheduled, given the current public sentiment?
Dr. Weber: While a formal change in the election timeline would require significant political maneuvering, sustained public pressure could influence the current government to consider alternative options. If the discontent remains high, it might not be a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ new elections occur.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Weber. Thank you for your time today. It seems that the political landscape in Germany is indeed quite dynamic, and we’ll be watching closely to see how this unfolds.
Dr. Weber: Thank you for having me! It will be an interesting time for German politics, that’s for sure.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to explore the evolving story of democracy and governance around the world.