Study reveals sharp decline in satisfaction with German democracy

Nine out of 10 Germans continue to back democracy in theory, but the figure drops to less than half when they consider the way democracy works in practice in their own country, a study presented on Wednesday shows.

Asked whether they were satisfied with democracy "the way it works in the German federal republic," only 42.3% answered positively, down from 57.7% two years ago, the Leipzig Authoritarian Study found.

The figure was the lowest since researchers Oliver Decker and Elmar Brähler launched the project in 2006. Just 29.7% of those in the east of the country gave a positive answer, by contrast with 45.5% in the west.

According to the study, Germany is facing a period of "uncertain development."

It notes that although democracy is viewed sceptically by many German citizens, it is not yet clear whether authoritarian or extreme right-wing solutions would find favour among the population at large.

"However, there is a tendency towards escapism – a departure from reality that finds expression in superstition, conspiracy theories and esotericism," the study stated.

A total of 2,500 people were interviewed in their homes between late March and mid-June 2024.

Anti-foreigner sentiment probed

The survey measured anti-foreigner sentiment, finding that 31.5% of East Germans and 19.3% of West Germans expressed hostility toward foreigners.

In the west, anti-foreigner attitudes were more prominent in those aged 61 and older, while in the east, this could be seen the group aged from 31 to 60.

Taking a range of criteria into account, the survey found a figure of 4.5% of the population in both east and west backed extreme right-wing ideas.

The study was conducted among German-speaking residents in cooperation with the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which is associated with the Green party, and the Otto Brenner Foundation of the IG Metall trade union.