A new survey reveals that half of Germans now view the actions of politicians and political parties as one of the nation’s biggest problems, marking an all-time high in political dissatisfaction.

Political dissatisfaction in Germany has surged to unprecedented levels, with 50% of citizens identifying the actions of politicians and political parties as one of the country’s most pressing issues. This marks the highest level of discontent recorded by polling institute Forsa, which noted a significant rise from previous years when the figure ranged between 14% and 36%. The trend has intensified under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with frustration over political inaction and perceived neglect of public concerns dominating public sentiment.

While political discontent ranks as the second most significant issue for Germans, economic challenges remain the top concern. According to the survey, 79% of respondents view the nation’s economic situation as the most critical problem, continuing a decades-long pattern where economic stability has consistently been prioritized. Other concerns, such as the sustainability of social security systems, have also gained prominence, with 42% of citizens now identifying them as a major issue—a sharp increase compared to previous years.

The growing dissatisfaction has fueled support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which now leads in public opinion polls with 28% approval, surpassing the Union at 21% and the Greens at 16%. Despite this surge, only 13% of voters believe the AfD is best equipped to address the country’s challenges, highlighting widespread skepticism about the ability of any political party to effectively tackle Germany’s mounting problems. Over half of respondents expressed doubt that any party could adequately resolve the nation’s issues, underscoring a deep crisis of confidence in the political system.