Alarming Berlin-Monitor Results: Decline in Faith in Democracy and High Levels of Prejudice in the German Capital

The results of the annual Berlin-Monitor for 2025 reveal a deep crisis of trust in fundamental democratic values among Berlin residents. Although a majority, 86%, still consider democracy the best possible system for Germany, this is the lowest result since measurements began. Compared to 2020, this represents a drop of five percentage points. These data have been described by the study's authors as a "sharp warning signal" for politicians and society as a whole. Regular monitoring of social attitudes towards democracy holds particular historical significance in Germany, stemming from the experiences of the Weimar Republic and the rise to power of the National Socialists. Contemporary studies, such as the Leipzig Authoritarianism Studies or the Berlin-Monitor, continue the tradition of prejudice research initiated by the Frankfurt School (Theodor W. Adorno) in the 1950s. The report shows not only an erosion of trust in the system but also persistent, deep-seated prejudices against minorities. One in five respondents (20%) agrees with the statement that the sight of a same-sex couple kissing in public is "disgusting" to them. An almost identical percentage (19%) perceives transgenderism as a real threat to society. The study also reveals a concerning susceptibility to authoritarian ideas. Approximately 10% of respondents express openness to the concept of a strong leader who rules without hindrance from parliament or courts. „„Die Zahlen sind ein schrilles Warnsignal. Sie zeigen, dass sich in Berlin nicht nur Vorurteile, sondern auch demokratisch problematische Einstellungen festsetzen”” — Andreas Zick, director of CEDIS. Additionally, one in four residents agrees with right-wing extremist statements, such as belief in a "great replacement plan" for the German population or the conviction that "media and politicians are lying." Changes in Democratic Attitudes in Berlin (2020 vs 2025): Support for democracy as the best system: 91% → 86%; Approval for a 'strong leader' without parliamentary control: Data unavailable → ~10%; Finding a same-sex kiss 'disgusting': Data unavailable → 20%; Perceiving transgenderism as a threat: Data unavailable → 19% Politicians' reactions are mixed. Senator for Integration, Cansel Kiziltepe of the SPD, emphasizes the importance of the results and the necessity for action. „„Wir müssen diese Ergebnisse sehr ernst nehmen. Sie zeigen, dass Demokratie nicht einfach da ist, sondern immer wieder erkämpft und verteidigt werden muss”” — Cansel Kiziltepe. However, the opposition and some experts criticize the Berlin senate for lacking a concrete strategy and reducing its response to general calls to "show a stance." Christian Goiny of the CDU accuses the governing coalition (SPD, Greens, Left) of passivity and a lack of programs to counter radicalization. Meanwhile, the study indicates that one of the causes for the decline in trust may be the housing crisis and a sense of social injustice in the city, which particularly affects the younger generation. The study's authors emphasize that the results do not concern only the social fringe but reflect the attitudes of a significant portion of Berlin's population, posing a challenge for the entire political class.