Study reveals surge in xenophobic and anti-Muslim sentiment in Germany

A recent study has revealed a troubling rise in xenophobic and anti-Muslim sentiment across Germany, particularly in its western states, prompting concerns about social cohesion and democratic resilience, Anadolu Agency reports.

The study conducted by Leipzig University scholars, Prof. Dr. Oliver Decker and Prof. Dr. Ayline Heller, has revealed a 4.8 percentage point increase in support for xenophobic world view since 2022, encompassing 21.8 per cent of the population.

Western Germany, traditionally considered more open to diversity and multiculturalism, saw a stark 6.7-point jump to 19.3 per cent support for xenophobic views. Meanwhile, in the eastern states, xenophobic views garnered support from approximately 31.5 per cent of respondents.

The study highlights a growing anti-Muslim sentiment, with 32.8 per cent of western state residents supporting a ban on Muslim immigration, up from 23.6 per cent in 2022. Over 48 per cent of respondents reported “feeling like strangers in their own country due to Muslim presence”, a significant increase from 36.6 per cent two years ago.

The survey also revealed a sharp decline in satisfaction with German democracy, falling 15.4 points to 42.3 per cent nationwide. This dissatisfaction was more pronounced in eastern states, where only 29.7 per cent said they were happy with the way democracy works in the country, compared to 45.5 per cent in western states.

Political affiliations showed a strong correlation with xenophobic views. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party supporters exhibited the highest rate at 60.5 per cent, while even supporters of mainstream parties like the liberal Free Democrats (21.9 per cent) and Christian Democratic Union (21.5 per cent) also expressed support for xenophobic rhetoric.

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