Politbarometer Reveals Broad Concern Over Pension Dispute: Majority See Young Generation Overburdened
Berlin, November 21, 2025 – The ongoing debate over pension reforms in Germany has sparked widespread concern among the electorate, with a significant majority believing that the younger generation is bearing an excessive share of the financial burden. This was highlighted by a recent Politbarometer survey conducted by the Forschungsgruppe Wahlen for ZDF and Der Tagesspiegel.
Widespread Perception of Unequal Burden on Youth
The pension dispute has become a top political issue amid resistance from members of the Young Union (Junge Union) and a group of young Bundestag members under 35 years old, all part of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Despite some support from economists and some party colleagues acknowledging the younger generation’s arguments, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has opposed their criticisms, maintaining that the incoming generations are not being overly burdened.
Contrary to Merz’s stance, the latest Politbarometer survey indicates that 71 percent of voters agree that pension policy disproportionately impacts younger people. Only 23 percent viewed the situation differently. Interestingly, even among those aged 60 and older—a demographic often presumed more supportive of pension security measures—a clear majority concurred with this concern.
Breaking down by age group, responses to the question "Does pension policy generally place too much burden on younger generations?" were as follows:
- 82% of 18 to 34-year-olds agreed
- 74% of 35 to 59-year-olds agreed
- 62% of those aged 60 and over agreed
Divisions on Specific Pension Legislation
When asked about the specific reform currently under discussion, which proposes to fix the pension level at 48 percent of average earnings until 2031 and use this as a baseline for future adjustments, opinions were more nuanced. This plan is expected to involve follow-up costs exceeding 100 billion euros. Rejection was highest among younger voters, with 54% of those aged 18–34 opposing it, compared to 46% of those 35–59 and 35% of seniors.
The intra-party dissent is notable, particularly in the Bundestag’s “Young Group” of 18 CDU/CSU parliamentarians under 35, whose narrow majority over the governing coalition’s edge could potentially block the pension package.
Political Maneuvering and Doubts Over Swift Resolution
Various proposals to defuse the dispute have surfaced. CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn has suggested discreet negotiations between Union and SPD, while others advocate postponing decisions until next year for a comprehensive deal. However, SPD co-leader and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has ruled out amendments, solidifying his party’s firm position.
Reflecting this impasse, 51 percent of survey participants do not expect a rapid solution to the pension conflict. SPD supporters, in particular, demonstrate greater skepticism compared to Union backers.
Economic Policy Criticism and Government Approval Ratings
The survey also underscores dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies, essential for securing social systems. A commanding 72 percent of respondents across all party lines believe that the current coalition is not doing enough to stimulate the economy, echoing similar critiques directed at the previous traffic light coalition about 18 months ago.
In addition, approval of the federal government has plunged to a new low: 59 percent of respondents judged the coalition’s work unfavorably, while only 37 percent offered a favorable assessment. CDU and SPD were perceived as predominantly divided parties, with 61 percent seeing the CDU as internally conflicted on key issues and 54 percent viewing the SPD similarly.
Politician Popularity Rankings
Among federal political figures, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) maintained the highest popularity rating with an average score of +1.7 on a scale from +5 to -5. He was followed by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) at +0.2, Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) at +0.1, and SPD Co-leader Lars Klingbeil at neutral (0.0). By contrast, CSU leader Markus Söder, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), and Chancellor Merz all carried negative perception scores.
Looking Ahead to Budget Debates and Elections
In the weeks ahead, the Bundestag will debate the federal budget for 2026, which involves substantial new borrowing—a topic on which public opinion remains divided, with 46 percent supporting and 48 percent opposing the plan. Notably, 82 percent of AfD supporters reject the budgetary approach.
If elections were held next Sunday, the survey suggests a neck-and-neck contest between the CDU/CSU and AfD, with the FDP and the BSW falling below the parliamentary threshold.
Methodology
The Politbarometer’s findings are based on telephone and online interviews conducted between November 18 and 20, 2025. The sample consisted of 1,207 randomly selected eligible voters and is representative of Germany’s voting-age population.
The results underscore the depth of the pension dispute and the broader unease with current government policies, signaling a turbulent political landscape as Germany approaches its next election cycle.