A recent survey conducted by the opinion research institute Insa Consulere, commissioned by Superillu, reveals a strong consensus among residents of eastern Germany regarding the legacy of the period surrounding the end of the German Democratic Republic. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 adults aged 18 and over in the six eastern German states including Berlin between September 10th and 17th, 2024, highlights a shared perspective on this pivotal moment in German history.
A significant 76% of those surveyed consider the peaceful revolution to be a “major historical legacy for all of Germany”. Furthermore, 77% attribute the courage displayed by eastern Germans in 1989 as the key factor that “made reunification possible.
When asked to identify the ideals, values and goals most representative of 1989, respondents consistently cited German unity, freedom of expression, freedom of travel and the right to free elections.
Interestingly, perceptions regarding which current political parties best embody these ideals varied. A notable 23% believe the AfD is most likely to realize these goals, followed by 15% identifying with the CDU, 11% with the SPD, 10% with the Left Party, 6% with the BSW and 3% with the Green Party. Fourteen percent indicated that no party currently represents these values. Notably, a broad majority of respondents named the party they voted for in the most recent federal election.
