The conservative CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD, the parties most likely to form the next government after the recent German election, have already agreed on massive investments into Germany's ailing infrastructure and the military.

A credit-financed special fund is to be set up for this purpose. In order to be able to incur debt for higher defense spending, the debt brake enshrined in in the Basic Law, Germany's constitution, is to be relaxed.

These plans generally meet with broad public approval, according to Infratest-dimap's monthly representative survey of 1,325 eligible voters conducted from March 4 to March 5.

Two thirds of respondents in this latest "ARD Deutschlandtrend" poll said they are in favor of a massive budget increase for the Bundeswehr, and eight out of ten are in favor of more money for infrastructure projects.

Boosting defense

However, hundreds of billions of euros in debt would have to be incurred to make this kind of investment. A majority of voters for the CDU/CSU and SPD say they support the increase in borrowing. However, supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which finished second at the election, are opposed to the plan.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz, likely to become the next German chancellor, vowed Germany would do "whatever it takes" to significantly improve its military capabilities. This was Merz's immediate reaction to the US foreign policy changes under President Donald Trump.

US no longer reliable

Trump has been back in office for only six weeks and has already been calling into question core policies, which is having a massive impact on how Germans view Trump and the United States.

One in two respondents to the infratest poll say their opinion of Trump has worsened since he took office. Just one in seven expresses a favorable opinion of the US president. The United States' reputation is plummeting to new lows.

This month only one in six voters described the US as a partner who Germany can trust. Three quarters believe that NATO members cannot currently rely on the United States for protection.

The Germans polled are not skeptical of NATO itself: 84% said that the North Atlantic defense alliance is important for securing peace in Europe. Nevertheless, there is growing support for greater European independence. One in two said they favor establishing a European military alliance.

The US policy U-turn on Ukraine significantly contributed to the decline of American prestige in Germany. The Trump administration has suspended its arms deliveries for Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia's invasion for three years.

Support for NATO, Ukraine

European leaders have vowed to continue to back Ukraine. However, three out of five respondents in the infratest survey said they believe that it is unrealistic to expect European countries to be able to compensate for US support for Ukraine.

But what would happen if a ceasefire agreement was reached between Russia and Ukraine? Half of all respondents would like Bundeswehr soldiers to get involved in peacekeeping in Ukraine, while the other half rejects the idea.

Respondents have a pessimistic outlook on Europe's future. A large majority of 73% expressed concern about security in Europe, and 68% said they worry about the Ukrainian people. However, this number has fallen by 14% compared to two years ago. Two thirds of respondents are worried that Europe is at the mercy of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Just as many expressed concerns over the relationship between the US and Germany.

What's next for Germany?

Even though the exploratory talks between the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD are forging ahead, one in two Germans polled said they are worried that there will be no stable government.

The voters' party preferences have not been swayed by the election aftermath. If they were to vote again, the CDU/CSU would still be ahead at 29%, followed by the AfD with 21%, the SPD at 16%, the Green Party at 12% and the Left Party at 9%.

This article was originally written in German.

While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter Berlin Briefing.