Twenty percent of Germans believe that a revolution is needed to adequately improve living conditions, saying legislative reform alone isn't enough, according to a survey published by the Emnid polling organization on behalf of Berlin's Free University.
The survey of 1,400 people, titled "Against the state and capital - for the revolution," found that anti-capitalism, anti-fascism and anti-racism are prominently held ideals, concluding that Germans are more left-wing than previously believed, The Local Germany reported.
More than 60 percent of respondents said they believe true democracy doesn't exist in the country due to the industry wielding too much political influence, which marginalizes the voice of the average voter, reported Reuters.
Almost a third said that capitalism is the cause of poverty and hunger, and the rise of neo-fascism is perceived by about 20 percent to be a real danger. Nearly a third said they fear governmental spying on its citizens may be leading the country toward a dictatorship.
Researchers noted a growing suspicion of government and mainstream media, and an penchant for conspiracy theories.
"Political danger is looming at the fringes," the authors warned, "not least through old resentments and new irrationalism that has declared war on reason."
The study also noted the differing views of people living in the east and west. Fifty-nine percent of Germans in the formerly communist east said communism and socialist ideals would better suit society. In western Germany, only 37 percent said they considered those ideals to be good.
The study was commissioned for the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
