…. The report acknowledged that it has been published at a ‘politically heated’ time, with ‘Muslim-hostile’ marches taking place, violence against refugees being reported and open hatred being voiced toward immigrants – drawing parallels with ‘traditional racism’.
It also warned of a ‘solidified and radicalised core of people’ who are increasingly rejecting mainstream politics.
The foundation, which is associated with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP) said society in Germany is becoming more divided between a tolerant majority and a loud minority opposed to immigration and integration.
Thirty eight per cent want limits placed on the number of refugees allowed into the country, and 35 per cent believe more is done for immigrants than it is for needy Germans.
Nearly half believe religion has too much influence in Germany.
Around a quarter said they fear the standard of living will fall.
The report stated: ‘Some findings are disturbing: for example, the increasing polarisation and violence, as well as the persistent and widespread mistrust of democracy.’
It said those opposed to immigration ‘do not speak for the majority’.
Discussion about immigration looks set to dominate next year’s elections in Germany, with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open door policy coming under fire.
An estimated 1.1 million immigrants entered Germany last year. [Daily Mail] Read more
Study: Stable racism stats, but ‘new right’ ideas permeate Germany
…. The political foundation – which is independent but has close ties to Germany’s center-left Social Democrats – investigated what it called “new right” ideologies for the first time – apparently a response to developments like the so-called refugee crisis and the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Almost 40 percent of the people surveyed were of the opinion that Islam was undermining German culture. Meanwhile, 28 percent agreed with the statement: “You cannot freely voice your opinion in Germany without getting into trouble.” A similar quota agreed that: “The ruling [political] parties are betraying the people.” Again, just under 30 percent agreed either generally or very strongly with the statement: “It is time to show greater resistance to modern-day politics.”
The foundation described such ideas as a more “subtle form and intellectual guise” with which to propagate nationalist positions. [Deutsche Welle] Read more
‘We’re being subverted by Islam’ Almost HALF of Germans feel migration undermines society
The poll was commissioned by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation which is associated with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany.
It found that 40 per cent of those responding feared their country is being “subverted by Islam”.
The figures will come as a blow to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door migrant policy has backfired disastrously.
…. The new survey also found 28 per cent of Germans questioned agreed with the statement: “In Germany one can no longer freely express an opinion without getting into trouble.”
And the same percentage agreed with the statement: “The governing parties deceive the nation.”
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation produced a report based on the survey findings which it says show that public opinion is shifting in Germany. [Daily Express] Read more
Islam Surveyed 