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German voters with immigrant backgrounds are distancing themselves from established parties, study finds

Research by DeZIM indicates growing political detachment among a demographic comprising over seven million eligible voters, even as centrist parties retain broad potential support.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 16:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • A study by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research shows that eligible voters of immigrant background are increasingly distancing themselves from established political parties.
  • The demographic accounts for roughly 12% of Germany's electorate, or more than seven million people, with the SPD and CDU/CSU maintaining the highest potential voter support despite weakening ties among younger generations.
  • While the far-right AfD faces rejection from nearly two-thirds of this demographic, it has actively conducted targeted outreach, capitalizing on concerns over security and skepticism toward new arrivals.
  • Researchers and community representatives warn that mainstream parties risk losing influence unless they improve engagement, safety assurances, and naturalization pathways.

Key facts

  • In 2023, approximately 12% of eligible German voters—more than seven million individuals—had an immigrant background, defined as being born without German citizenship or having at least one parent born without it.[Deutsche Welle]
  • A DeZIM study found that two out of three respondents with an immigrant background view the center-left SPD as a viable option, with the CDU/CSU bloc ranking second and only one in five categorically rejecting either.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Nearly two-thirds of voters with an immigrant background ruled out voting for the far-right AfD, although the party retains notable support within Germany's Russian community.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Community representatives from the Turkish Community in Germany and academic researchers noted that traditional parties are insufficiently addressing issues such as personal safety, Islamophobia, and anti-discrimination.[Deutsche Welle]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain how shifting demographic preferences will impact voter turnout and seat distribution in upcoming federal and regional elections.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources