"Warning sign": Support for democracy declining, survey shows - Berlin's Faith in Democracy Hits a Five-Year Low Amid Rising Extremism

Support for democracy in Berlin has reached its lowest point since 2019, according to the latest Berlin-Monitor study. Only 86% of residents now back democratic values, while dissatisfaction with the current system has grown. More people are also open to authoritarian alternatives, raising concerns about shifting political attitudes in the capital.

The 2025 Berlin-Monitor report reveals a clear decline in democratic support. Just 62% of Berliners express satisfaction with Germany's democratic system, a noticeable drop from earlier surveys. Meanwhile, 40% now favour undemocratic options, such as a strongman leader or a one-party state.

Antisemitic and chauvinistic views are also on the rise. Nearly 13% of respondents believe Jews use deceptive tactics more than others, a higher rate than in eastern or western Germany. Another 36% compare Israel's policies in Palestine to Nazi Germany's actions during World War II. Additionally, 31% claim Germany is dangerously overrun by foreigners, while 24% display chauvinistic tendencies.

Attitudes toward historical remembrance are shifting too. Almost half of Berliners—48%—argue that the country should prioritise current issues over Holocaust education. The study also found that 8.7% explicitly support a far-right authoritarian dictatorship, and 28% believe a single strong party should represent the national community. A further 18% welcome the idea of a dominant leader.

The findings highlight a growing distance from democratic principles among Berliners. With fewer people committed to democracy and more open to authoritarian rule, the report underscores a shift in political sentiment. The data does not, however, track how these changes affect participation in civic initiatives or democratic education programmes.