Germans express growing dissatisfaction with democracy, study finds

Four in ten Germans are unhappy with how democracy functions in their country, with dissatisfaction levels significantly higher in eastern regions, according to a new Deutschland-Monitor study released Friday.

The research, conducted by two German universities in collaboration with the GESIS Institute of Social Sciences in Mannheim, found that 53% of eastern Germans are dissatisfied with democracy’s functioning, compared to 36% in western regions.

Social Democrat MP Carsten Schneider attributed the findings to east Germans feeling undervalued 34 years after reunification, coupled with their lack of representation in decision-making positions.

The dissatisfaction reaches 56% in economically disadvantaged areas of eastern Germany, highlighting a clear correlation between democratic trust and economic hardship, Schneider noted.

Despite concerns about its current state, support for democracy remains overwhelmingly high, with 98% of respondents expressing positive views.

The study also found strong backing for gender equality (95%) and peaceful religious coexistence (89%).

Opinion was more divided on contemporary issues, with 56% seeing opportunities in migration and 57% supporting climate neutrality goals.

The research surveyed approximately 4,000 citizens by telephone in April and May 2024 for its main component, with an additional 4,000 participating in local-level research between May and June 2024.

The annual Deutschland-Monitor report aims to highlight social and political trends in Germany and citizens’ views on various issues.