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(BBC)How population decline is exposing Germany's old divides

Release Date
2026-06-29
Media
BBC
Summary
Thirty-five years after German reunification, eastern Germany continues to face severe population decline, aging, and labor shortages. The collapse of many East German industries after reunification triggered a large outflow of young, educated people—especially women—to western Germany, while low birth rates have further accelerated demographic decline. As a result, many rural communities are experiencing kindergarten closures, shrinking public services, and shortages of skilled workers.

Although local governments and businesses have launched initiatives to attract former residents and new workers, immigration has mainly benefited major cities such as Berlin and western Germany rather than the rural east. Germany as a whole also faces an aging population and fertility rates well below the replacement level.

Researchers argue that population decline has contributed to growing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), particularly in eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt, where the party could achieve a major electoral breakthrough. Many residents associate declining infrastructure and economic stagnation with political neglect and have become more skeptical of immigration, even though immigration could help ease demographic pressures.

Experts conclude that reversing the trend will require stronger family policies, including better childcare, affordable housing, and financial support for parents. While German reunification is widely regarded as a historic success, its long-term demographic and social consequences continue to shape eastern Germany today.
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Germany

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