German Public Sentiment on Increased NATO Defense Spending
European legislators endorse the suggested plan.
A new survey by pollster "Infratest" reveals that half of Germans find it appropriate for NATO member countries to spend five percent of their GDP on defense in the future, compared to the current two percent. Seven percent believe this goal would not be ambitious enough, while almost a third think it would go too far.
These findings echo the stance of Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU), who supported Donald Trump's proposal for a five percent target for NATO defense spending back in May. In Western Germany, the idea gains majority support, with 54 percent agreeing and six percent viewing it as insufficient. However, 31 percent consider it overreach. In contrast, Eastern Germany is more cautious, with almost half deeming a five percent target too much, while 33 percent find it appropriate.
The looming visit of Friedrich Merz (CDU) to the White House engenders mixed anticipation among Germans. Forty-six percent expect Merz to establish a harmonious relationship with Trump, while 44 percent remain skeptical. Rudimentary trust in diplomatic skills is present, with 47 percent regarding Merz as lacking the necessary finesse and 40 percent expressing confidence in his ability to handle foreign policy challenges.
Trust in the USA itself has remained relatively stagnant, with 73 percent viewing the USA as unreliable partners, compared to 18 percent who see them as dependable. This sentiment is more pronounced when considering the opinions of French citizens, where 83 percent of Germans see a trustworthy partner, contrasted with 11 percent who do not.
Intriguingly, trust towards Ukraine and Israel has shown significant fluctuations: trust in Ukraine has swelled to 48 percent from 44 percent, while faith in Israel has dwindled to 16 percent from 27 percent. Conversely, views towards Russia remain largely static, with 10 percent viewing Russia as a trustworthy partner and 84 percent considering them unreliable.
These findings offer a glimpse into the evolving perceptions of international relations among Germans, underscoring their ongoing contemplation and debate over defense spending and foreign policy.
- Germans' view on defense spending policy and legislation, particularly NATO's proposed increase, shows a divide, with 54% in Western Germany in favor, while 31% in Eastern Germany consider it an overreach.
- General news discussions about war-and-conflicts and politics, such as German officials' stance on NATO defense spending and their perceptions towards various nations like Ukraine, Israel, and Russia, continue to shape public sentiment in Germany.
