German public trust in state institutions hits historic low, survey shows
A new eGovernment Monitor survey finds that confidence in the German state and its agencies has fallen to its lowest level in recent years.
According to the eGovernment Monitor 2026, confidence in the German state and its administrative bodies has dropped to a record low, according to a survey ordered by Initiative D21 and the Technische Universität München. Respondents reported less trust in ministries and public agencies, while the police, justice system and courts continue to enjoy comparatively stronger support. Trust in political institutions is uneven, with local city and municipal governments receiving more confidence than state governments, and the federal level lagging behind.
Media outlets also rank low in public confidence. The poll, carried out by Kantar in April and May, surveyed roughly 8,000 internet users aged 16 and older, with about 500 participants from each federal state, and is presented as representative of private online users.
Why it matters
Declining trust in government can affect policy acceptance and democratic stability in Germany.
In this story
