Thirty-five years since German reunification, substantial regional reservations persist between eastern and western Germany, according to a recent survey. The findings, published by the Tagesspiegel newspaper and conducted by the Otto Suhr Institute at the Free University of Berlin, examined the perspectives of 1,630 participants in September 2024 as part of the research project “Does Near Equal Dear?
The survey reveals a pattern of preference within eastern German states; respondents consistently rated individuals from other eastern states more favorably. Conversely, residents of western German states expressed more positive views of their western counterparts compared to those in the east. This evaluation highlights a deepening sense of alienation between the two regions, apparently fueled by ideological differences, as stated by political scientist Achim Hildebrandt from the University of Stuttgart. He described it as a detrimental factor for Germany’s internal cohesion.
Furthermore, a widespread feeling of disadvantage prevails within eastern Germany. The research indicates that residents across all eastern German states believe their situation tends to be less favorable compared to others. Conversely, residents in western German states generally perceive themselves as being comparatively advantaged. The Saarland, however, represents a deviation from this pattern.