Study Highlights Troubling Rise in Anti-Muslim Sentiments in Germany, Especially Its Western States

IQNA – There has been a growing trend of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments in Germany, a recent study has revealed.

It points to a troubling rise in xenophobic and anti-Muslim sentiment across Germany, particularly in its western states, prompting concerns about social cohesion and democratic resilience.

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 percent of the population.

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

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

The survey also revealed a sharp decline in satisfaction with German democracy, falling 15.4 points to 42.3 percent nationwide. This dissatisfaction was more pronounced in eastern states, where only 29.7 percent said they were happy with the way democracy works in the country, compared to 45.5 percent 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 percent, while even supporters of mainstream parties like the liberal Free Democrats (21.9 percent) and Christian Democratic Union (21.5 percent) also expressed support for xenophobic rhetoric.

Source: Middle East Monitor