Donald Trump and the break in the traffic lights: what moved Germans in 2024
The YouGov annual review shows: Donald Trump's election and the break-up of the traffic light government were the most formative events of 2024 for Germans. Despite major challenges, half of those surveyed look back positively on the past year.
2024 was a year full of events that had a lasting impact on the German population. According to the latest YouGov survey, Donald Trump's election as US president was the most significant event for 34% of respondents. This was closely followed by the ongoing war in Ukraine (33%) and the break-up of the traffic light government in November, triggered by the dismissal of Finance Minister Lindner and the D-Day affair (28%).
Economic challenges also shaped the year: the weakening economy and job cuts at companies such as Bosch and Volkswagen were a defining event for 23%. Natural disasters such as floods and inundations affected women more than men (21% vs. 14%).
On a cultural level, the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and sporting highlights such as the UEFA European Football Championship and the Summer Olympics in Paris provided plenty to talk about. For soccer fans, Bayer Leverkusen's first Bundesliga title was a special moment, while the death of Franz Beckenbauer moved many.
Doris Bühler from YouGov summarizes: "Despite the challenges, it is clear that the German population looks back more positively on 2024 overall than on previous years. However, anticipation for 2025 remains somewhat more subdued compared to the past."
The survey results are based on standardized online interviews with over 28,000 respondents and are representative of the German resident population aged 18 and over. The attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg on the evening of December 20, 2024 could no longer be included in the survey.
