Survey: 63% of Germans support Merz's controversial cityscape statements!

Survey: 63% of Germans support Merz's controversial cityscape statements!

A lively topic is currently attracting attention: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statements about the so-called “cityscape” and migration. According to the current ZDF political barometer, which was carried out on October 23, 2023 with 1,038 eligible voters, 63 percent of those surveyed support Merz in his views, while 29 percent consider them unjustified. What is particularly noteworthy is that agreement in the 35 to 59 year old age group is 70 percent, while younger respondents - 18 to 34 year olds - only agree 42 percent. Of those over 60, 66 percent agree with his opinion South German newspaper reported.

Merz recently noted that the federal government is working to correct previous failings in migration policy. He made it clear that problems in the cityscape in particular come from migrants who do not have permanent residence status and do not follow the rules. These statements have caused quite a stir, like this t online shows, especially through criticism from Green politicians who describe Merz's presentation as “framing”. Critics like Erik Marquardt complain that the graphic of the political barometer incorrectly suggests that the broad approval refers to Merz's original, unspecific statements.

Citizens' sense of security

In the survey, a total of 66 percent of those surveyed felt safe or somewhat safe in public places. Only 25 percent feel a certain degree of insecurity, while 8 percent say they feel very insecure. Interestingly, only 18 percent of respondents see problems with refugees in their area of ​​residence, while 74 percent perceive no or only minor problems. These figures reflect that although there is a diffuse feeling of uncertainty, concrete problems are in many cases considered to be minor.

Merz himself also emphasized that the number of new asylum applications was reduced by 60 percent between August 2024 and August 2025. In his opinion, the Federal Minister of the Interior must enable and carry out returns. But this topic is not without controversy. Katharina Dröge, the leader of the Green Party, called for more decency from Merz and described his statements as hurtful and discriminatory. This is made particularly piquant by the statements made by CSU leader Markus Söder, who also used the term “cityscape” and brought up the possibility of the return of non-delinquent Syrians and Afghans.

The discourse about migration and security

But what does the term “cityscape” mean exactly? Critics say it acts as a euphemistic code for the visible presence of people perceived as non-German or non-white. Sociologist Nina Perkowski describes that this term fuels feelings of unease and helps legitimize deportations. Recent studies by the German Institute for Economics also show that the fear of crime often does not correspond to the actual development of crime.

Reporting on immigration and security issues has not only stoked fears, but has also shifted the tone of the discourse in Germany to the right. People report racism, discrimination and social exclusion as key threats that question their safety. This shows that the discussion about migration and cityscape not only has a political dimension, but also a deeply human dimension that needs to be reinforced in society's perception.

Overall, it remains to be seen how this complex discourse will develop further. The survey results show that the perception of migrants and their influence on the cityscape is interpreted differently by many people - and the public debate is far from over.