This sentiment cuts across party lines, except for Green Party voters.
The poll underscores broader European concerns about mass migration. In Germany alone, 71,000 unauthorized entries were recorded in the first ten months of this year, a figure that, while lower than last year’s 127,500, remains troubling. Half of the respondents believe immigration has hurt the country over the past decade, with only 15% backing the liberal immigration policies championed by successive governments.
Widespread frustration has paved the way for immigration to dominate Germany’s upcoming federal election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is promising stricter deportations and tighter controls, though voters remain skeptical due to its record under Angela Merkel. Meanwhile, the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised to capitalize on public discontent, likely securing its place as the second-largest party in parliament.
This growing disillusionment reflects a broader EU trend, with earlier polls revealing that over 70% of Europeans believe their nations take in too many migrants. With immigration policies now at the forefront of public debate, Germany faces mounting pressure to prioritize border security and address the long-term societal impact of mass migration.