A recent Forsa survey commissioned by RTL and ntv indicates that the vast majority of German citizens reject central demands from the AfD’s election platform for the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
The research presented respondents with various statements from the AfD’s program and asked for their level of agreement or disagreement. Rejection is particularly pronounced concerning statements about foreign skilled workers. Only 17% of the population agrees with the AfD statement that foreign doctors are often ill-suited to treat German citizens due to “language difficulties” and their “other cultural origins.” However, among AfD supporters, this assessment holds sway for 52% of their base.
Similarly, only 16% of all citizens support the claim that recruiting skilled workers from “foreign cultures” leads to problems and endangers “patient welfare,” particularly in the healthcare and nursing sectors. Among AfD supporters, the percentage supporting this view rises to 49%. Critically, over 80% of the general public opposed both of these statements.
No majority support was found for the AfD’s proposals regarding schools. Thirty-one percent support the demand for increased complaint possibilities for parents and students, compared to 61% among AfD supporters. Furthermore, the proposal that teachers should only discuss students’ opinions rather than engaging in a back-and-forth debate with their own views received approval from 24% of the public. This figure jumps to 60% among AfD supporters, while a decisive 71% nationally opposed the idea.
Slightly higher levels of support were observed for the AfD’s views on the handling of the churches. Forty-four percent concur with the statement that churches cannot demand a special status through church taxes and state payments, with AfD supporters reaching 83%. Additionally, 37% support the proposal that church tax revenue should only be used for personnel costs and building maintenance in the future, a stance backed by 74% of AfD supporters.
Despite the low levels of agreement, 54% of respondents anticipate that the AfD would actually implement its school policy demands should it gain governing power. Expectations for the implementation of policies regarding foreign skilled workers stand at 45%, while 43% expect changes in the treatment of churches. More significantly, there is a clear perception that the AfD’s demands could intimidate affected individuals: 68% fear this intimidation when it comes to foreign skilled workers, versus 48% concerning teachers.
The opinion research institute Forsa gathered this data by surveying 1,007 individuals on August 13 and 14.
