Germans worried about future ahead of election

Growing political unrest in Germany has left 39 percent of voters concerned about the country's future, with a further 15 percent voicing frustration with political leaders, a survey revealed on Wednesday.

With less than seven weeks to go before the Feb 23 federal election, a YouGov research institute poll found that voters in Germany have significant issues with the government's performance.

The survey reveals a crisis of confidence in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling Social Democrats, or SPD, with 50 percent of respondents opposing the party's inclusion in the next government, citing "trust and competence" issues.

Nearly half, or 46 percent, of respondents blamed the SPD for the current economic woes, while only 11 percent believed the party was competent to handle the economy.

Loyalty among SPD supporters has eroded significantly, as only 55 percent of those who backed the party in 2021 said they still feel it represents their interests.

Consistent with recent polling, the conservative alliance of the Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian partner, the Christian Social Union, maintains a clear lead.

The alliance leads voter intentions with 29 percent support, while the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, trails in second place at 21 percent.

Support for the ruling SPD has plunged to a historical low of 16 percent, with their Green Party coalition partners falling behind at 14 percent.

The pro-business Free Democrats, whose November withdrawal triggered the government's collapse and early elections, are now struggling to reach the 5 percent threshold required for parliamentary representation.

The findings were based on a survey of 1,908 voters conducted earlier this month.

A separate YouGov survey published on Wednesday showed that a recent endorsement by US industrialist Elon Musk has boosted support for the far right as the election approaches.

Nearly six in 10 of those surveyed believe Musk's support has strengthened AfD's position, according to the poll commissioned by the dpa news agency.

Just 4 percent saw the endorsement as damaging, while 24 percent detected no effect and 13 percent said they were unsure.

Musk, who serves as a close adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, drew criticism after backing the AfD on X and in Germany's Die Welt newspaper.

Despite Musk's vocal support, half of those surveyed expect his influence on the election to be minimal or nonexistent. By comparison, 27 percent anticipate he will significantly shape the campaign.