New opinion poll: Germans mainly negative towards newly arriving refugees | DW News

Summary

Recent polls indicate Germans are increasingly concerned about immigration and asylum seekers, with support for the governing coalition falling and the far-right AFD gaining popularity. Over a million refugees have arrived in Germany due to Russia's war in Ukraine, straining local resources. A majority of Germans now favor fewer refugees, and there's political pressure to tighten border controls. The EU continues to struggle with a unified asylum policy, while a visa scandal in Poland adds to Germany's challenges.

Takeaways

• 📊 Migration and the economy are the top concerns for Germans according to the latest poll from the Institute Infratest dimap.
• 📉 The governing coalition in Germany is experiencing dwindling support, while the far-right AFD party is gaining ground due to its stance on migration.
• 🔝 The number of asylum applications in Germany in the first eight months of the year is almost as high as the whole of 2022.
• 🏠 Local authorities are struggling to provide adequate housing, healthcare, schools, and daycare centers for the influx of refugees.
• 🚨 Opposition parties are warning about the urgent need to address the surge in asylum seekers.
• 📊 A significant portion of Germans believe immigration causes problems rather than benefits, with 64% thinking the country should take in fewer refugees.
• 🛂 There's been an increase in migrants arriving via Poland and the Czech Republic, prompting a policy shift from Germany's interior minister towards stricter border controls.
• 🌍 Efforts to agree on a common asylum system in the EU remain challenging, as does the question of policing Europe's borders.
• 🇵🇱 A visa scandal in Poland, where consulates are accused of taking bribes to speed up visa applications, is causing tension with Germany.
• 🗳️ The changing rhetoric on immigration in Germany is influenced by upcoming state elections and political strategies, with some leaders making controversial remarks to sway public opinion.

Q & A

What are the top concerns for Germans according to the latest poll?

Migration and the economy are the top concerns for Germans, according to a poll by the Institute Infratest Dimap.

What is the current political impact of migration issues in Germany?

Migration issues are causing dwindling support for the governing coalition, while the far-right party AfD is gaining popularity due to its stance on migration.

How have the numbers of asylum seekers changed in Germany this year?

In the first eight months of 2024, the number of asylum applications has been almost as high as in the entire year of 2022, largely due to the influx of refugees from Russia's war in Ukraine.

What challenges are local authorities in Germany facing due to increased asylum seekers?

Local authorities are struggling to provide adequate accommodation, healthcare, schools, and daycare centers for the rising number of asylum seekers.

What does the latest opinion poll suggest about German attitudes toward immigration?

The poll shows that only about a quarter of Germans believe immigration brings benefits, while two-thirds think it causes problems. Furthermore, 64% think Germany should take in fewer refugees.

How has the German government’s stance on border control changed recently?

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who previously opposed more fixed border checks, now supports stricter control at Germany's eastern borders due to increased migrant arrivals.

What are some of the concerns raised by opposition parties in Germany regarding migration?

Opposition parties, particularly the far-right AfD, are raising concerns about the impact of asylum seekers on public services, such as healthcare, with some claims that German citizens are being disadvantaged.

What European challenges are complicating Germany's migration policies?

Efforts to agree on a common EU asylum system remain difficult, and there are issues with policing Europe's external borders. Additionally, a visa scandal in Poland has exacerbated tensions.

What is the 'visa scandal' in Poland, and how does it relate to migration in Germany?

Poland's consulates are accused of accepting bribes to fast-track visa applications, allowing some migrants to enter Germany illegally, which has angered the German government.

What are the prospects of a common European refugee policy according to Germans?

According to the poll, most Germans are skeptical about a common European refugee policy being realized soon, with fewer than a quarter believing it will happen in the near future.