An IMGW News Report
A Yougov* survey across seven Western European nations reveals widespread dissatisfaction with immigration levels and government policies. A majority in each country believe immigration has been excessive over the past decade, with Germans (81%) and Spaniards (80%) expressing the strongest concerns. Sweden (73%), the UK and Italy (both 71%), and France (69%) followed closely. Denmark was the exception, though 55% of respondents still viewed immigration as too high.
Among five response options ranging from “much too high” to “much too low,” the prevailing view in all countries was that immigration had been “much too high.” This sentiment was strongest in Germany (61%), Spain (54%), and the UK (50%).
Concerns extend beyond sheer numbers. Majorities or pluralities in all surveyed nations believe immigration has negatively impacted their country. Italians (56%) and Germans (55%) were the most critical, while Britons were more divided—42% saw immigration as detrimental, 30% deemed its effects mixed, and 21% considered it beneficial, the highest among the seven nations.
Immigration has long been a rallying cry for Europe’s far right, but as their electoral fortunes rise, mainstream conservatives have increasingly adopted hardline positions. The survey highlights immigration’s prominence as a political issue. When offered a choice of 13 key challenges, respondents in all countries placed immigration in their top four concerns.
Germans were most likely to cite it as their primary concern (42%), alongside the economy (41%). In Britain and France, immigration ranked second to the economy, while in Spain, it trailed only housing. Swedes ranked it third, behind crime and healthcare.
Criticism of government handling was near-universal. In Germany, 83% of respondents felt their leaders had mismanaged immigration, while 80% in France agreed. In Britain, the figure was 72%, and in Denmark—where dissatisfaction was lowest—it still stood at 52%.
With populist forces gaining ground, immigration remains a volatile issue across Europe. If governments fail to address public concerns, the far right may continue to capitalise on voter frustration.
*For more information about this Yougov survey follow this link
