Deutschland-Monitor 2025 Reveals Mixed Sentiments on Democracy and Authoritarianism in Germany

The latest Deutschland-Monitor 2025 survey highlights significant divisions in German public opinion toward democracy and authoritarian ideas, with notable regional and political variations.

According to the survey involving 4,005 participants between April and May 2025, over 21% of Germans are at least partially open to authoritarian ideas—rising to 26% in East Germany. Despite this, 77% reject an authoritarian state understanding, and only around 2% hold views fundamentally incompatible with democracy. The survey further reveals that 30% support one-party rule (up from 26% in 2024), and 11% believe political decisions should be made by a strong leader without parliamentary involvement. This acceptance of authoritarian tendencies is significantly influenced by political alignment, with 61% of far-right identifiers, especially supporters of the AfD party, receptive to such views.

Dissatisfaction with democracy's functioning remains high: 40% of Germans express discontent, notably 49% in East Germany, though this represents a slight improvement compared with the previous year. Satisfaction rates for democracy's functioning stand at 60% nationally but drop to 51% in East Germany. Populist sentiments are also more prevalent in the East (28%) compared to the West (20%).

On societal change, the survey finds 23% of respondents view it as an opportunity, while 52% are ambivalent and 26% view change primarily as a risk. Immigration remains a divisive topic; 51% do not believe it has negatively impacted Germany, and a majority support stronger integration measures.

Elisabeth Kaiser, federal commissioner for the East, emphasized the urgency of addressing social inequalities and living conditions to improve democratic satisfaction, noting that citizens’ discontent often stems from perceived social injustice.

The Deutschland-Monitor, conducted annually by research institutions including the Center for Social Research Halle and University of Jena, provides a comprehensive snapshot of German attitudes towards democracy and societal issues, highlighting persistent regional disparities and challenges to democratic resilience.