Germans' Top Personal Worries Revealed
It seems immigration is causing quite a stir among Germans. In an Ipsos survey, 44% of respondents named immigration as one of their top three personal concerns – an eleven-point increase from the previous month. This high level of concern in Germany has only been surpassed by Turkey after more than seven years.
But Germany's citizens aren't just fretting about immigration. Inflation is another significant worry, with 45% of respondents voicing their concerns. A considerable 35% are also worried about poverty and social inequality, while climate change and criminal activities are on 28% and 21% of Germans' minds, respectively.
Interestingly, immigration is currently the most pressing issue for Germans, yet it is a lesser concern globally. Just 15% of respondents worldwide share Germany's anxiety towards immigration. Turkey, the Netherlands, and the UK are the only nations among the 29 surveyed with similar worries, at 41%, 32%, and 29%, respectively.
However, inflation is universally recognized as a top concern. Globally, inflation has been a worry for 19 months in a row, and Germany ranks second among the countries surveyed with 45% of respondents citing it as a concern. Inflation worries have even increased considerably after a brief period of easing.
The Ipsos survey interviewed 20,570 individuals from 29 nations, and the survey took place in September and October before the war between Israel and Hamas.
Immigration and Inflation: A Global Perspective
Globally, inflation has been the top concern since March 2022, with 34% of respondents naming it as one of the three major issues in their country. Yet, there are regional variations in inflation rates. For instance, inflation rates doubled from 3.5% in 2020 to 8.7% in 2022, and while they are projected to decrease by 2025, many continue to grapple with high prices for basic necessities.
Immigration is another contentious issue, particularly in Europe and East Asia. While it drives population growth and meets labor market needs in countries like Switzerland, it is a more divisive topic in others, such as the UK. British attitudes towards immigration are generally positive, but they prefer highly skilled migrants over unskilled laborers.
Healthcare and Unemployment: Additional Concerns
Several countries, such as Italy, have healthcare as their primary concern. Italy saw a decline in unemployment worries, which were replaced by healthcare-related concerns. Meanwhile, South Africa has the highest level of unemployment worries at 67%.
Societal risks, such as inequality and polarization, also rank highly among global concerns. Additionally, there is a significant concern regarding armed conflict, geopolitical tensions, and political instability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
