Berlin's Population Chronicles Anti-Muslim and Totalitarian Attitudes
Berliners showcase a mixed bag of attitudes towards politics and society, according to a recent study titled "Berlin Monitor". While the majority (90%) of the populace supports democracy, significant numbers harbor anti-Muslim, right-wing authoritarian, and anti-Semitic sentiments.
Muslims' Rising Unpopularity
The study shows that 42% of Berliners strongly or somewhat agree that the country has an excessive number of Muslims. This is echoed by 58% who doubt Muslims' commitment to an open society, 54% who view Islam as a misogynistic religion, and 58% who label it backward. Furthermore, 36% presume that Muslims plan to Islamize the West stepwise. 34% think that Muslims are working towards introducing Sharia law in Germany.
The authorial team, led by researcher Gert Pickel from the University of Leipzig, deduces that approximately 20% of respondents are staunchly against Muslims, while 48% are rigidly against Islam.
Rise in Right-Wing Authoritarianism
Right-wing authoritarian attitudes have reportedly surged in Berlin, according to the 2023 edition of "Berlin Monitor". Around 19% of respondents approve of a powerful leader with absolute control, almost double the support level from 2019 (10%). Further, 31% believe that a dominant single party, representing the national identity, should govern the country (2019: 19%). Very small minority of 8% even supports the notion of a potential dictatorship (2019: 4%).
Strong endorsement for democracy remains at 90%, with 69% expressing overall satisfaction.
The Shift in Anti-Semitism Perceptions
The 2023 survey reveals an increase in prevalent anti-Semitic opinions: 15% endorse the statement that the Jews' influence is excessive, while 12% think that Jews are inherently peculiar and don't fit in. The belief that Israel's creation is ill-advised has gone up to 27%, and 13% assert that Jews lead most of the world's conflicts.
Repercussions and Concerns
During the presentation of the report, Berlin’s Senator for Social Affairs, Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD), voiced concerns regarding deep-rooted racism and anti-Semitism in the city. Preventive projects are more crucial than ever, as the budget for equality and diversity initiatives has been upgraded to 30 million euros annually in the upcoming budget of 2024/2025.
Causes and Scope
Although Berlin Monitor 2023 does not delve into the specific origins and prevalence of anti-Muslim, right-wing authoritarian, and anti-Semitic attitudes, several secondary sources can provide insight:
- Anti-Muslim and Right-Wing Authoritarian Feelings:
- Islamist Extremism: The presence of jihadist Salafist groups, numbering around 12,150, has increased by 46% since 2015.
- Nationalist Movements: Far-right groups, such as the AfD, have a strong influence in fueling anti-immigrant sentiments.
- Migrant Policies: Populist migration policies can often generate fear and xenophobia towards migrants, including Muslims.
- Anti-Semitic Attitudes:
- Far-Right Extremism: Several far-right organizations have engaged in anti-Semitic practices and rhetoric.
- Historical Context: The dark history of anti-Semitism in Germany has had a lasting impact and continues to influence contemporary movements.
- Prevalence:
- Public Perception: There is growing public concern about the presence of far-right ideologies in Berlin.
