Respondents in Ipsos’s survey have cited amongst their prime considerations Berlin’s immigration insurance policies, poverty and rising inflation
A latest worldwide survey means that the overwhelming majority of Germans don’t suppose their nation is presently heading in the right direction. In accordance with an Ipsos ballot carried out in a complete of 29 nations on the finish of 2024, public optimism in Germany is at its lowest degree in ten years.
The German economic system has been steadily contracting lately, attaining the doubtful distinction of being the one G7 member to expertise this development. On the coronary heart of the nation’s financial woes is a protracted manufacturing downturn, together with within the automotive business, prompted partially by a shift from inexpensive Russian fuel to dearer liquefied pure fuel (LNG) from the US.
The Ipsos survey means that solely 18% of Germans are glad with the present state of affairs. Almost three-quarters of respondents are pessimistic concerning the German economic system, the ballot signifies, noting that the determine has risen by 11% year-on-year.
In accordance with the examine, which was carried out from November 22 to December 6 with round 1,000 respondents, 35% of Germans see immigration as a key problem affecting them personally. Coming in second with 33% are poverty and inequality, with rising inflation named by 31%.
Different issues of concern embody crime, the unfold of extremist ideologies, and the prospect of a army battle.
On Wednesday, the Federal Statistical Workplace of Germany (Destatis) issued a report saying the nation’s economic system contracted in 2024 for the second straight yr – for the primary time in additional than twenty years. In accordance with official figures, GDP decreased by 0.2% final yr after shrinking by 0.3% in 2023.
Destatis president Ruth Model cited among the many key causes “rising competitors for the German export business on key gross sales markets, excessive power prices [and] an rate of interest degree that is still excessive.”
In an interview with the newly launched RT Balkan TV in late December, Russian Overseas Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova argued that cooperation with Russia had been “one of many components for Germany’s financial progress.”
Nevertheless, as a result of US strain, this mutually useful partnership was severed, ensuing within the German economic system “crumbling,” she acknowledged.
Because of this, “German firms have begun relocating to different international locations, the place it’s extra viable for them to do enterprise,” Zakharova mentioned.
You possibly can share this story on social media:
Supply hyperlink
