Germany is a representative democracy with a vibrant political culture and civil society. Political rights and civil liberties are largely upheld by law and in practice. The political system is influenced by the country’s history, with constitutional safeguards designed to prevent the return of authoritarian rule. However, factors including a sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers and the growing reach of right-wing populist movements have posed challenges to political stability over the past decade.

• In September, the far-right populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the largest share of votes in state elections in Thuringia and placed second in Saxony and Brandenburg, but other parties were able to form coalition governments that excluded AfD in all three states. The governing coalition at the federal level—comprising the Social Democratic Party, the Greens, and the liberal Free Democratic Party—collapsed in November, and after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a parliamentary confidence vote in December, snap elections were scheduled for February 2025.
• Three major trials against leaders of the so-called Reichsbürger movement, a far-right group accused of plotting to violently overthrow the government, began during the year. Additional investigations into the movement were ongoing.
• A new nationality law that took effect in June featured several provisions that eased access to German citizenship, including a rule granting eligibility for naturalization after five years of residency—or as little as three years in some circumstances—rather than the previous eight, and the elimination of restrictions on dual citizenship. Similarly, German-born children would automatically obtain citizenship if a parent had at least five years of legal residency, down from the previous eight. Separately, a law that took effect in November allowed individuals aged 18 or older to change their name and gender on official documents without the previously required psychiatric assessments and court hearing.
• Many pro-Palestinian protests were able to proceed during the year, but police continued to restrict or disperse some gatherings and investigate participants for possible violations of laws on hate speech. In May, prosecutors in Neuruppin charged members of the climate protest group Last Generation with forming a criminal organization due to their property damage and other disruptive activities at oil refineries, an airport, and a museum.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.