A recent study involving around 8,000 participants revealed that about one-fifth of Germans are receptive to authoritarian concepts, with the proportion rising to one-quarter in eastern Germany.
The findings were presented as part of the “Germany Monitor” project. Federal Commissioner for Eastern Germany Elisabeth Kaiser detailed the results on Thursday (February 19, 2026) in Berlin.
According to the survey, 31% of respondents agreed with the statement: “What Germany needs now is one strong party that embodies the will of the people.” Another 23% expressed partial agreement. In eastern Germany, 35% fully agreed, while 26% partially agreed.
The idea of political decisions being made by a “strong leader” without parliamentary involvement also found support: 11% nationwide fully agreed, 21% partially. In eastern Germany, 15% fully agreed and 22% partially agreed.
Sources – Agencies
