Thirty-five years after German reunification, significant regional reservations persist between eastern and western Germany, according to a recent survey. The findings, reported by “Der Tagesspiegel” and conducted by the Otto Suhr Institute at the Freie Universität Berlin, reveal ongoing and entrenched divisions. The survey, part of the research project “Does Near Equal Dear?”, involved 1,630 participants and was conducted in September 2024.
The data indicates that residents of eastern German states consistently view individuals from other eastern states more favorably. Conversely, residents of western German states express a more positive assessment of their western counterparts compared to those in the east. This pattern highlights a deepening sense of alienation between east and west, largely attributed to ideological factors, as stated by Stuttgart-based political scientist Achim Hildebrandt. He cautioned that this ongoing divergence is detrimental to Germany’s internal cohesion.
The survey further revealed a widespread perception of disadvantage among residents of eastern German states. Across all eastern regions, respondents generally believe their circumstances are less favorable compared to those in other parts of the country. A contrasting viewpoint exists in western Germany, where residents largely perceive themselves as being comparatively privileged. The Saarland, however, represents an exception to this trend.
