January 06, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Germany believe their country should implement a statutory minimum wage, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 71 per cent of respondents support the idea, while 25 per cent oppose it.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Germany believe their country should implement a statutory minimum wage, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 71 per cent of respondents support the idea, while 25 per cent oppose it.

Official results from the September 2005 election to the Federal Diet gave the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) 226 seats, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) a close second with 222 legislators. Neither of the two main parties was able to assemble a coalition government with their preferred partners. In November 2005, CDU leader Merkel was sworn in as Germany’s first female head of government. The current administration includes members of the CDU, CSU and SPD.

Last month, SPD leader Kurt Beck called for the introduction of a statutory minimum wage in Germany. Merkel has opposed the idea, claiming it could hurt job creation.

On Jan. 4, European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet criticized Beck’s rationale, saying, "Setting minimum wages at levels which aren’t in line with productivity reduces the employment chances of less skilled workers and the unemployed." CDU finance spokesman Otto Bernhardt welcomed Trichet’s comments, saying, "What a great catch to hammer home to the Social Democrats the utter folly of their calls for a universal minimum wage."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the introduction of a statutory minimum wage?

Support	71%
Oppose	25%
Not sure	4%

Source: Forsa / Stern / RTL
Methodology: Interviews with 1,002 German adults, conducted on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20, 2007. Margin of error is 3.0 per cent.