Germany news: Nearly half the country wants governing conservative coalition out
Key takeaways
- A survey has shown that just 30% of people in Germany want the coalition government to continue.
- Altogether, 30% of respondents are in favor of the coalition continuing, with 24% undecided or responding with "don't know."
- The survey shows a divide in popularity ratings for the coalition between eastern and western German states, with 46% of people in eastern Germany wanting its end as compared with 35% in western Germany.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
A survey has shown that just 30% of people in Germany want the coalition government to continue. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrators are to hold a march in Berlin to mark Nakba Day. DW has more.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Dpgf Merz's coalition has struggled to convince since taking office in 2025 [FILE: December 2025]Image: Michael Kappeler/dpa/picture alliance Advertisement Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Almost half of German residents are not content with the conservative-led coalition government and want its dissolution, a survey has shown Protesters are set to gather in Berlin to mark Nakba Day, which commemorates the eviction of Palestinians from their lands in 1948 amid the foundation of modern-day Israel The head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany calls for harsher penalties for antisemitic crimes, including denying Israel's right to exist Read on here for our roundup of the top headlines from and about Germany on Saturday, May 16, 2026:
05/16/2026May 16, 2026Almost half in Germany want coalition out — surveyMerz, seen here in Würzburg, concedes that the coalition could be more harmoniousImage: Kai Pfaffenbach/REUTERS/dpa/picture allianceSome 47% of people in Germany would like to see an end to the current governing coalition of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), a survey has shown.