Germans approve of democracy, but say it doesn't work well
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Germans strongly support democracy as a form of government, according to the latest "Germany Monitor 2025" survey. While 98% of respondents believe in democratic principles, only 60% feel it is functioning well today. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about rapid societal changes and political uncertainty, particularly amid global trends toward authoritarianism and populism. Although support for democracy is growing, especially in eastern Germany, many Germans express skepticism about its current performance. Despite this, the majority reject outright autocratic rule, with only 4% agreeing that a dictatorship could be better under certain circumstances.
The survey highlights significant gaps in understanding democratic fundamentals among Germans. Only 68% correctly identified key principles like the separation of powers and parliamentary oversight as essential to democracy. Additionally, 31% of respondents nationwide, and 35% in former East Germany, expressed support for a single dominant party representing the people's will—a notion often associated with authoritarian systems. These findings underscore a complex relationship with democratic ideals, where belief coexists with doubts about implementation.
Changing political winds are also shaping Germans' views on national security and immigration. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there has been a shift toward accepting greater defense spending and rearmament, reflecting new priorities in response to global instability. On immigration, while 68% support recruiting skilled workers from abroad, nearly a third believe the post-2015 immigration wave has led to negative changes—a sentiment that aligns with the voter base of far-right parties like the AfD.
This nuanced perspective on democracy and governance reflects Germany's broader struggle to navigate an uncertain world. While commitment to democratic values remains strong, the findings reveal vulnerabilities that could complicate efforts to uphold liberal institutions in the face of growing global challenges. For those tracking democratic resilience worldwide, these insights offer valuable context on how even established democracies grapple with internal divisions and external pressures.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026