The German government has dismissed a U.S. human rights report alleging restrictions on freedom of expression in Germany, while a prominent opposition leader endorsed the criticism of the government.
The U.S. report claimed that free speech is being curtailed in Germany and cited the influx of Muslim immigrants as a factor in rising antisemitism. It also accused German leaders of misattributing the issue predominantly to right-wing extremists. Reports show that political violence is at an all-time high in Germany, with mostly left-wing supporters attacking conservatives. Poll-leading right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) reported 808 cases of political violence against their MPs and was the primary target of these attacks.
There are several stories about German politicians, predominantly left-wing progressives, reporting ordinary citizens and calling authorities on them for writing “hateful” comments on the Internet about them. One 64-year-old man had his home raided and was fined€825 for retweeting a meme that called then-Economy Minister Robert Habeck a “professional moron.”
However, the German government issued a statement denying all allegations of violating free speech and claiming the government is combating antisemitism “in all its forms.” Government spokesman Steffen Meyer (SPD) rejected the notion that free expression is limited to certain political factions, calling the U.S. assertion “unfounded.”
“There is no censorship here in Germany,” Meyer said, speaking on behalf of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) cabinet. “A very high degree of freedom of expression prevails, and we will continue to defend this in every possible way.”
However, surveys suggest growing public unease, with half of Germans believing they can no longer voice opinions freely without repercussions. Recent reports also showed highly skilled ethnic Germans are the most likely to leave the country, citing security concerns, complex bureaucracy, and growing uncertainty.
Breaking ranks with the government, Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn (CDU) acknowledged concerns over shrinking discourse. “We must also practice broadening the scope of debate so that we don’t even begin to make certain debates taboo.”
Spahn singled out migration as a topic where open discussion has become fraught. “If we make such debates taboo, especially on migration and integration, but also on other topics, then the impression arises that one can no longer say what one thinks,” he warned. “That is not good in a pluralistic society.”
