Germany
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
95 / 100
Free
Internet Freedom
74 / 100
Free
Germany is a representative democracy with a vibrant political culture and civil society. Political rights and civil liberties are largely assured in law and practice. Although Germany has generally been stable since the mid–20th century, political tensions have grown in recent years following a sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers in the country and the growing popularity of right-wing populist movements.
Research & Recommendations
Germany
Free
95
100
| PR Political Rights | 40 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 55 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
93
100
Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Germany is a representative democracy with a vibrant political culture and civil society. Political rights and civil liberties are largely upheld by law and in practice. The political system is influenced by the country’s history, with constitutional safeguards designed to prevent the return of authoritarian rule. However, factors including a sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers and the growing reach of right-wing populist movements have posed challenges to political stability over the past decade.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Germany
Free
74
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 23 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 27 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 24 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
77
100
Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Germany is a representative democracy with a vibrant political culture and civil society. Political rights and civil liberties are largely upheld by law and in practice. The political system is influenced by the country’s history, with constitutional safeguards designed to prevent the return of authoritarian rule. Factors including a sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers and the growing reach of right-wing populist movements have posed challenges to political stability over the past decade.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
Germany hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world and at least a dozen governments target their nationals residing in Germany, including the most prolific offenders like Turkey and China. The government has demonstrated some awareness of and resilience to the phenomenon. However, a more robust German response is hampered by the security apparatus’ focus on extremism and inconsistencies in protection schemes for refugees and asylum seekers, including policies that identify them as a potential source of threats to Germany rather than as potential victims of foreign repression.
Policy Recommendations: Transnational Repression
Raising awareness about the threat of transnational repression.
Like-minded governments and international organizations should work together to highlight the threat of transnational repression and establish international norms for addressing it.
Limiting the ability of perpetrators to commit transnational repression.
This includes agreeing on a common definition of transnational repression, and prohibiting the use of Interpol notices on their own to deny immigration or asylum benefits or conduct arrests.
Bringing accountability for acts of transnational repression.
Among other tactics, governments should deploy a robust strategy for targeted sanctions against perpetrators of transnational repression.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
95
/ 100
Free
Freedom on the Net Score
74
/ 100
Free
Population: 83,800,000
Internet Facts
Status
Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
No
Users Arrested
No
Election Facts
Status
Currently Tracking
Date of Election
February 23, 2025
Type of Election
Parliamentary
Internet Penetration
93.30%
Election Year
2025
Vulnerability Index
86
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Host Country
Key Origin States
Egypt, Russia, Rwanda, Turkey, Vietnam
Best Practices
Courts uphold the right to seek asylum; Expulsion of diplomats to impose accountability
