27.07.2026 10:50
According to a survey conducted in Germany, 70% of the public does not trust that the military can protect the country against a potential attack. Although participants support increasing the defense budget, they oppose financing it through tax hikes, cuts in public services, or borrowing. The Berlin government, however, aims to increase defense spending and the number of troops.
A public opinion survey conducted in Germany has revealed that a large majority of the population does not trust the country's defense capabilities.
According to a survey conducted by YouGov between June 17 and July 1 with 2,079 adults, 70 percent of participants stated they do not believe the German army can protect the country against a possible attack. The proportion of those who said they trust the army remained at 21 percent. Eight percent of participants did not express an opinion.
GERMANY HAS THE LOWEST TRUST IN THE ARMY
It was noted that among the countries where the research was conducted, Germany is the country with the lowest trust in the army.
While 40 percent of participants stated that the current defense budget is insufficient, 77 percent opposed increasing taxes to finance defense spending.
According to the survey, 62 percent of Germans do not want cuts in public services for the defense budget, while 59 percent expressed opposition to the government taking on more debt.
GERMANY AIMS TO INCREASE DEFENSE CAPACITY
Germany, which accelerated its investments in defense following the Russia-Ukraine war, plans to increase its defense spending from 86 billion euros last year to 153 billion euros by 2029.
The Berlin administration also aims to raise the number of active duty soldiers from 184,000 to 260,000 and reserve forces to 200,000 by 2035.
The reinstatement of compulsory military service, which was suspended in 2011, continues to be debated in the country. Young people, in particular, are hesitant about compulsory military service, citing economic issues such as the high cost of living and unemployment.