Majority of Germans Fear Self-Censorship in Political Discourse Amid Growing Climate of Caution

A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of Germans are hesitant to express their true opinions publicly. Over 84% believe that many individuals self-censor due to fear of repercussions in an increasingly restrictive political environment. This sentiment spans across the political spectrum, with 77% of Green party supporters and 92% of voters backing the populist-right Alternative for Germany acknowledging this trend. Furthermore, more than half of respondents (54%) have personally experienced situations where they felt unable to speak freely, marking a rise compared to previous assessments. Notably, younger Germans under 30 are more likely to feel constrained, with two-thirds reporting they do not feel free to share their beliefs, compared to 38% of those over 70. Supporters of various parties display differing levels of self-censorship: 76% of AfD supporters, 69% of BSW supporters, and 65% of Die Linke voters admit to hiding their opinions, whereas supporters of mainstream parties report somewhat lower rates. Experts warn that the issue of free expression in Germany could become as influential as past debates on migration or COVID-19. They emphasize the importance o...