Thousands of Strangers to Engage in a Unique Dialogue on Germany’s Divided Landscape
On this Sunday afternoon, thousands of strangers across Germany will embark on an exceptional encounter, gathering in cafes or public spaces for a dialogue unlike any other. They will engage in a candid political discussion, delving into the polarizing topics that have deeply divided the nation – migration, the Ukrainian conflict, justice, and a myriad of other issues. And they will strive to understand their counterparts on a personal level.
This is the essence of "Deutschland spricht" (Germany Speaks), an initiative first organized by ZEIT ONLINE eight years ago. For the latest edition, nearly 10,000 individuals have registered, answering eight controversial questions on ZEIT ONLINE and the websites of this year’s media partners, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Bild-Zeitung: Is Germany a fair society? Should the government reduce unemployment benefits? Should Germany turn away refugees at the border?
Subsequently, an algorithm has meticulously matched participants who hold opposing views on as many questions as possible, prioritizing proximity for convenience. Today, they will meet face-to-face across Germany, just a week before the federal election.
Diversity at the Heart of the Initiative
An analysis of the participants reveals a remarkable diversity: never before have the participants of "Deutschland spricht" hailed from such a wide spectrum of backgrounds. A locomotive engineer will converse with a computer scientist, a security guard with an engineer, and a retiree with a retired locomotive driver. This heterogeneity stems, in part, from the algorithm’s ability to unite readers of Bild-Zeitung and FAZ with ZEIT-ONLINE subscribers, each media outlet boasting a distinct readership.
Reflecting the Nation’s Political Debates
The participants’ responses mirror the intense political debates that have dominated recent weeks. No topic has elicited as much controversy as migration. Approximately 60% support Germany turning away refugees at the border, while roughly 40% hold an opposing viewpoint. Almost 70% advocate for increased deportations. The participants are also divided on the question of whether Germany should supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine: 60% are in favor, and 40% are opposed.
Gender and Age Differences in Perspectives
As in previous years, significant differences emerge between men and women in their responses. On almost all questions, female participants tend to adopt more liberal stances. When asked if Donald Trump poses a threat to democracy, 83% of women answered affirmatively, compared to only 63% of men. The discrepancy widens further on the issue of additional funds for climate change mitigation: 74% of women support increased government spending, whereas only 48% of men do.
Age also plays a significant role in shaping responses. For instance, over 80% of participants under 30 support increased climate spending, while less than half of those over 65 share this view. The generational divide is particularly pronounced on the topic of migration: only a quarter of under-30s favor increased deportations, compared to almost 70% of over-65s. Similarly, on the question of unemployment benefits, the younger generation overwhelmingly opposes cuts, in contrast to the older generation. The urban-rural divide also manifests in response patterns: city dwellers express significantly more liberal views than their rural counterparts.
Seeking Common Ground Amidst Disagreement
Today, "Deutschland spricht" will bring together these diverse perspectives – young and old, men and women, city dwellers and rural residents. There will undoubtedly be disagreements, given the stark differences in political views. However, these myriad personal encounters may ultimately cultivate something that Germany desperately needs: a sense that compromise and consensus remain possible, unifying the nation amidst its divisions.
