Social research
Study: Many Germans dissatisfied with democracy
Good idea, bad implementation? In a survey, East Germans in particular express doubts about how well democracy works. The Eastern Commissioner therefore makes a specific demand.
Many people in Germany are dissatisfied with the functioning of democracy – according to a study, especially the population in East Germany. Almost 40 percent of those surveyed across Germany expressed dissatisfaction – in East Germany even more than half (53 percent), as shown by the so-called Germany Monitor.
In the West it is 36 percent, according to the results of the analysis by researchers from the universities of Jena and Halle-Wittenberg and the Leibniz Institute for Social Sciences in Mannheim. At the same time, almost all respondents (98 percent) fundamentally support the idea of democracy.
Schneider calls for more East Germans in leadership positions
The Eastern Commissioner Carsten Schneider commented that the results were also due to experiences of devaluation of East Germans since the 1990s and a lack of representation. “We need more East Germans in leadership positions,” demanded the SPD politician.
Dissatisfaction is greatest in structurally weak regions of eastern Germany (56 percent). The connection between a lack of trust in democracy and the state and the structural weakness of a region is obvious, said Schneider. He warned: “You have to be able to live well everywhere. We must not lose sight of this mandate of the Basic Law.”
Agreement on some fundamental rights
The population of Germany largely agrees on key basic democratic rights. 95 percent support equal rights for men and women. 89 percent want all religions to be able to coexist peacefully. In contrast, only 56 percent want to live in a society in which immigration is seen as an opportunity and only 57 percent are in favor of a climate-neutral future as a goal.
About 4,000 people answered researchers’ questions by telephone in April and May 2024 for the main part of the study. Almost 4,000 people also took part in a survey in May and June last year that specialized in certain regions.
With the Germany Monitor, the scientists want to provide a new perspective on the social and political attitudes and assessments of the German population. The survey takes place annually.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
