The Germans’ perception of the economic crisis

Abstract

The author considers the view of voters and the voting population in Germany on the economic and financial crisis. The current economic situation is estimated as poor. However, a relative majority is optimistic about the economic future and expects the economy to recover within one year. The majority of citizens is not affected by the crisis so far, although some have already suffered financial losses. The measures of the federal government for crisis management are approved and citizens trust the political leaders, even though a clearly recognizable political strategy is missing. Given the scale of the economic turmoil, the General Election of 2009 did not remain untouched by the crisis. While the Conserva-tives was able to limit their losses because of the economic compe-tence attributed to them, the Social Democrats were perceived as much less qualified in economic affairs or crisis management. Keywords Financial and economic crisis; assessment of the economic situation; crisis management; German government; general election 2009. ?