German government’s Heimat agenda and reform package meet widespread public scepticism
On 16 July 2026 Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer presented a "Heimat‑Agenda" titled “Miteinander ist es Heimat”. The programme seeks to strengthen local belonging across all regions through regular “Heimat‑Dialoge”, a representative “Heimatreport”, a federal “Heimat” prize and broader support for regional economies. It stresses listening to citizens, reinforcing volunteerism and counter‑acting frustration in rural areas where AfD support is high.
At the same time, the ZDF‑Politbarometer released data from 14‑16 July showing strong scepticism toward the coalition’s reform programme. Only 30 % of respondents say the reforms are heading in the right direction, 81 % view the planned burden distribution as unfair, and 79 % doubt the health‑savings package will solve financing problems. The survey also records low approval for Chancellor Friedrich Merz (70 % dissatisfied) and a decline in CDU/CSU support, while the AfD leads the projected party standings.