Study - High level of anti-Muslim and totalitarian attitudes
Anti-Muslim, right-wing totalitarian and anti-Semitic attitudes are widespread among the Berlin population, according to a study. Nevertheless, the vast majority of people in the capital support democracy. According to the social administration, this is the result of the"Berlin Monitor" published on Monday, a study on the attitudes of Berliners to political and social issues that has been conducted regularly since 2019. For the "Berlin Monitor", researchers surveyed 2048 Berliners aged 18 and over on behalf of the Senate from the end of May to the end of July this year.
Almost half reject Islam, according to the study
In the survey, 42 percent of respondents "strongly" or "somewhat" agreed with the statement that the number of Muslims in Germany is too high. According to the survey, 61 percent do not believe that Muslims are committed to an open society. 58% see Islam as a misogynistic religion and 54% as a "backward" religion. 36 percent assume that Muslims are planning to Islamize the West step by step. According to 34 percent of respondents, Muslims are striving to introduce Sharia law in Germany, i.e. Islamic legislation based on the Koran.
The authors of the study, led by religious and church sociologist Gert Pickel from the University of Leipzig, assume on the basis of the survey that 20 percent of respondents are firmly anti-Muslim and 48 percent are firmly anti-Islam, i.e. reject Islam.
Almost a fifth want a leader
Right-wing authoritarian attitudes, which were already surveyed in the "Berlin Monitor" in 2019 and 2021, were reported to be on the rise. According to Pickel, around 19% were in favor of the statement: "We should have a leader who rules Germany with a strong hand for the good of all." Four years ago, the figure was 10 percent. The fact that Germany now needs "a single strong party" that embodies the national community as a whole is currently supported by 31% of respondents. Four years ago, the figure was 19 percent. 8% believe that a dictatorship might be the better form of government (2019: 4%).
At the same time, 90 percent of respondents said that democracy was the best fit for our society. 69% were satisfied with democracy.
Anti-Semitism in many people's minds
Another result is the increasing anti-Semitism in many people's minds - even before the terrorist attack on Israel by the Islamist Hamas on October 7 and Israel's reaction, as a result of which, according to many experts, hatred of Jews and Israel in Berlin reached a new, sad dimension.
According to the survey, for example, 15 percent supported the statement "Even today, the influence of the Jews is still too great". In 2019, it was 3 percent. 12% believe: "Jews simply have something special and peculiar about them and don't really fit in with us" (2019: 6%). 27% think the founding of Israel is a bad idea (2019: 13%), 13% believe: "Jews are responsible for most wars and conflicts in the world" (2019: 2 percent)
The authors of the study conclude from the survey that there is an "increasing authoritarian dynamic" in Berlin. 54 percent of respondents attest to "authoritarian aggression", 31 percent to a "conspiracy mentality".
Senator Kiziltepe is worried
"The results of the Berlin Monitor 2023 cause me great concern," said Senator for Social Affairs Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) at the presentation. "Because it is clear that racism and anti-Semitism are deeply rooted in the Berlin population." Prevention projects are currently more necessary than ever. It is therefore a good thing that the funds for anti-discrimination and diversity have been doubled to 30 million euros per year in the 2024/2025 budget.
Communication from the social administration
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- The study reveals that 34% of Berliners believe Muslims are aiming to introduce Sharia law in Germany, which is a form of Islamic legislation based on the Koran.
- The survey also shows that 42% of respondents believe the number of Muslims in Germany is too high, and 58% do not think Muslims are committed to an open society.
- In addition to anti-Muslim attitudes, the study also highlights a rise in right-wing authoritarian attitudes, with 19% saying Germany needs a leader who rules with a strong hand.
- The results of the study were presented by Senator Cansel Kiziltepe, who expressed concern over the deep-rooted racism and anti-Semitism uncovered in the survey.
Source: www.stern.de
