Survey shows low trust in Berlin's ability to boost economic growth

Business confidence in the German government's ability to implement reforms and boost economic growth remains weak, according to a survey.

In a poll conducted by the Civey institute for the Economic Forum of the Social Democrats (SPD) and made available to the Funke media group newspapers, only 18.3% of 1,000 business decision-makers said they expected the government to significantly increase economic growth through reforms. A total of 78.4% said it would not, while 3.3% were undecided.

The survey was carried out online between April 14 and 24, 2026.

SPD Economic Forum president Ines Zenke called the results a "warning signal," saying nearly four-fifths of respondents did not trust the government to deliver meaningful growth through reforms.

Respondents cited political manoeuvring by coalition partners (52.9%), a lack of practical economic understanding (39.8%), the absence of a shared vision (36.0%) and limited willingness to compromise (31.1%) as key obstacles to a unified government approach.

Asked about priorities, companies ranked lower energy prices first (63%), followed closely by bureaucracy reduction (62.4%). Other priorities included social system reform incentives (33.5%) and tax cuts, including income tax (29.4%) and corporate tax (17.4%).

For reducing energy costs, respondents supported cuts to electricity tax (46.4%) and value-added tax (VAT) on energy (43.9%). An excess profits tax (27.3%) and lower VAT on food (26.7%) also received support.

Zenke called for more decisive government action, saying pressure on the economy was high and patience was running out. She said coordinated action and a comprehensive reform package were needed, rather than isolated measures, and urged implementation of the coalition agreement.