More than three out of four business executives in Germany are convinced that their company’s economic success depends on a stable democracy.
A survey conducted by polling group YouGov on behalf of the European Movement Germany and released on Sunday showed that 78% of 505 respondents see a link between their firms’ prospects and democratic stability.
Around 44% regard a stable democracy as an important prerequisite for planning certainty, investment and economic development, while a further 9% classify it as critical to their business.
The poll surveyed managers and top executives in companies with at least 50 employees across Germany between May 18 and May 27.
According to the data, just 17% of respondents agreed with the statement that “democratic stability is primarily important for society, but hardly relevant to the company’s economic success.”
The European Movement – a non-partisan alliance of organizations campaigning for a united Europe – also asked respondents to what extent the political influence of parties or political actors who question democratic principles would pose a risk to the economic success of their company.
Almost two-thirds (62%) said they see this as a risk, while 29% of executives do not.
While German companies have complained about excessive EU regulations, a clear majority of 58% of the managers surveyed consider Berlin’s membership of the European Union to be beneficial for their company.
Just over one in 10 (13%) said there were more disadvantages to EU membership, while 27% said the effect was neutral.