A new poll shows a dramatic shift in Germany’s perception of Islam, with 61 percent of the population saying it “doesn’t belong in Germany.”
The number is up significantly from January, when 47 percent said Islam had no place in society. Just 22 percent think Islam should be a part of German culture.
Half of Germans, 51 percent, are willing to take it a step further and say Muslims “don’t belong in Germany.”
About the same amount, 46 percent, are worried of Islamization of society. The poll surveyed 2,054 people and was issued by tabloid Bild.
Volker Kauder — the parliamentary leader for the ruling Christian Democratic Union and one of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s closest allies — criticized former German President Christian Wulff Thursday for saying Islam belongs in Germany.
Kauder said while Muslims should be free to practice their religion in Germany, it is important to note that there are certain forms of Islam “that we can never accept in Germany.”
Merkel defended Wulff’s words, but said Muslims need to accept “fundamental German values.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.