Germany, long seen as a model of stability in Europe, is grappling with a notable shift in its public sentiment as concerns about immigration have grown significantly this year. A longstanding survey, conducted by R+V Insurance, reveals that while worries about taxes and the cost of living continue to dominate the national discourse, the fear that the government could become overwhelmed by immigration is rising. This shift in public perception marks a significant change, as these concerns are no longer confined to economically challenged areas in the former East Germany but have become more widespread across the country.
The R+V insurance survey, which has been running for four decades, provides several key insights into the shifting concerns of the German population:
- Immigration Concerns on the Rise: A noteworthy 56% of respondents expressed fear that their government and its institutions could be overburdened by handling immigration. This concern now holds the fourth position in the ranking of worries, significantly higher than its ninth-place ranking just a year ago.
- Widening Geographic Impact: The survey indicates that these immigration fears are not exclusive to a single region, as concerns are now more evenly distributed across the country. This shift marks a notable change from the past, when such concerns were concentrated primarily in the economically challenged regions of the former East Germany.
- Social Tensions: While immigration concerns are moving up the list, they remain distinct from concerns related to social tensions. Worries about immigration’s potential to cause social tensions currently hold the 11th position, a moderate rise from their 16th place ranking in the previous year.
- Persistent Economic Worries: Prior to immigration concerns, Germans continued to express alarm about the rising cost of living, expensive accommodation, tax increases, and benefit cuts. These concerns mirror the readings from the previous year.
The increased anxiety about immigration coincides with a surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. AfD secured second place in a recent regional election, further highlighting the party’s influence on the political landscape. Their campaign featured anti-migrant rhetoric and has contributed to shaping the discourse surrounding immigration in Germany.
Germany, which has been a linchpin of stability in Europe, is witnessing a shift in public sentiment as immigration concerns move higher on the list of national worries. While economic concerns still dominate, the rising apprehension about immigration reflects the changing dynamics in German society and politics. These findings underscore the need for policymakers to address these concerns and develop balanced policies that align with the evolving needs and expectations of the German population.
