A recent study from the University of Leipzig’s Center for Research on Right-Wing Extremism and Democracy has highlighted a concerning trend: xenophobic attitudes in Western Germany are surging and aligning more closely with those historically prevalent in the East. Meanwhile, satisfaction with democracy in Eastern Germany has reached its lowest point since 2006.
Titled “United in Resentment,” the study surveyed 2,500 participants and was conducted in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation, affiliated with the German Green Party, and the Otto Brenner Foundation, linked to the Metalworkers’ Union. The findings paint a stark picture of increasing authoritarian and nationalist views across Germany.
Xenophobia on the Rise in the West
Since the start of these studies in 2002, xenophobic sentiments in Western Germany had generally declined, while trends in the East fluctuated. However, a sharp shift is now evident: from 2022 to 2024, the percentage of those in the West holding xenophobic views rose from 12.6% to 19.3%. In the East, the numbers showed a slight decrease from 33.1% to 31.5%.
“Xenophobia has become a pervasive feeling of resentment nationwide,” said sociologist and psychologist Elmar Brähler, who led the study in collaboration with extremism expert Oliver Decker. The study found that xenophobic beliefs were particularly widespread among Alternative for Germany (AfD) voters, with 61% endorsing such views.
Xenophobia and Antisemitism Surge in the West
About 31% of Western German respondents agreed with the statement that Germany is “flooded by foreigners,” a notable increase from 22.7% in 2022. In Eastern Germany, this figure rose from 38.4% to 44.3%. The West also experienced a rise in antisemitic attitudes, increasing from 3% to 4.6%, whereas these sentiments decreased in the East, from 3% to 1.8%.
Democracy Under Pressure in the East
Satisfaction with democracy in Germany has fallen significantly. Although 90.4% still believe in the theoretical value of democracy, only 42.3% are satisfied with how it functions in practice. This represents a sharp decline from 53.5% in 2022. In Eastern Germany, satisfaction plummeted to 29.7%, and Western Germany saw a drop from 57.7% to 46%.
Participants had the opportunity to provide written feedback, voicing frustrations with political leaders and a perceived lack of opportunities for meaningful participation. “Many people feel uncertain about the future,” said Decker, noting a growing disconnection from political reality.
Future Implications
While skepticism towards democracy is widespread, it remains unclear whether this will lead to a sustained shift toward authoritarian or far-right solutions. However, the study emphasizes a troubling trend of detachment from reality, which could have significant implications for German society and politics.
