Public attitudes to immigration in Germany in the aftermath of the migration crisis

Abstract

During Angela Merkel’s time as Germany’s Chancellor, the country has seen the largest inflow of migrants in its post-war history, but overall attitudes to immigration in Germany have been remarkably stable and, if anything, have actually become slightly more positive (Statistisches Bundesamt, 2017; Eurobarometer, 2017). On the surface, stability seems to be the word that best describes attitudes to immigration in Germany. Yet, the anti-immigration Alternative für Deutschland (AFD) political party has seen a surge in its opinion poll ratings, enjoyed some electoral success, and could enter the Bundestag after the 2017 federal elections. This brief explains how generalized favourability to immigration can combine with growth in support for an anti-immigration party by highlighting the importance of issue salience.