More than half of German citizens believe that Germany's security is threatened by Russia, according to a recent survey conducted by public broadcaster ARD. The survey indicates that 56% of eligible voters feel threatened by Russia, as reported by the polling firm infratest-dimap, which surveyed 1,319 German voters between August 31 and September 2.
Recent incidents in Germany, including a drone attack on Leipzig Airport and an arson attack near defense contractors in Bavaria, have contributed to these concerns. Explosive devices and pyrotechnics were also discovered at two substations in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia. Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) stated, "We are not at war, but we are no longer at peace either," reflecting the heightened sense of insecurity.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the Christian Social Union (CSU) warned that Germany has become a "daily target of hybrid warfare," which includes non-military measures aimed at destabilizing the country, such as cyberattacks and disinformation.
However, not all Germans share this view. Nearly half of citizens in eastern Germany feel only slightly threatened or not at all by Russia, and supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) largely consider the threat to be low. The survey found that two-thirds of AfD supporters view the threat from Russia as minimal.
On the issue of military support for Ukraine, opinions are divided. Just over half of Germans believe that the country's military support for Ukraine is appropriate or should be expanded, while over 40% feel that it goes too far, particularly among eastern Germans and AfD supporters.
As Germany approaches three important state elections in September, the AfD is polling strongly, with the potential to win an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt. The party is currently projected to receive 27% of the vote in a general election scenario, making it the largest party in the Bundestag, ahead of the CDU/CSU at 21%.
Public confidence in the CDU/CSU has declined, with only 15% of respondents satisfied with the government's performance. Chancellor Merz has an approval rating of just 13%. The CDU/CSU's perceived competence in key policy areas has also dropped, particularly regarding peace in Europe, where confidence fell from 31% to 23% over the past year.
The economic situation remains a pressing concern for Germans, with 79% of respondents indicating that the economy is performing poorly. There are notable differences in perception based on party affiliation, with 41% of SPD supporters viewing the economy positively, compared to only 3% of AfD supporters who share this view.