Key facts
- Germany's eastern states face a demographic crisis.
- Population decline is occurring in eastern Germany.
- Low birth rates contribute to the population decline.
- Post-reunification economic struggles exacerbate the crisis.
- A shortage of skilled workers is a consequence.
- Fewer services are available to residents.
- The elderly population is growing in these states.
- Support for the AfD party is rising in eastern regions.
Germany's eastern states are confronting a profound demographic crisis characterized by a significant population decline. This trend is attributed to a combination of persistently low birth rates and the enduring economic difficulties that have affected the region since German reunification. The consequences of this demographic shift are multifaceted, leading to a critical shortage of skilled labor across various sectors. Furthermore, the declining population is resulting in a reduction of essential services available to residents, impacting quality of life. A notable consequence is the growing proportion of an elderly population within these states. The demographic pressures and associated economic anxieties are also seen as contributing factors to the rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the eastern regions.