Mounting financial pressure: Escalating living expenses takes the lead in German worries
In a recent study conducted by insurance company R+V Versicherung, it has been revealed that the fear of rising living costs, including heating and electricity, is the greatest concern for the majority of Germans in 2025. This anxiety is not limited to rent, but also includes accompanying costs such as heating and electricity. Finances overall are causing many Germans sleepless nights, with fears of tax increases, welfare cuts, and unaffordable housing also high.
The study found that Germans are becoming less fearful despite worldwide crises and a tense economic situation. However, the fear of German politicians is still high, with more than half the population giving them only the minimum required to pass. The government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz is currently not trusted to lead the population well and professionally through crises.
The fear of German politicians is not the only concern related to politics. The much-lamented division and polarization in society does not instill as much fear in Germans - rather the opposite. Its value sank by 9 percentage points compared with the previous year. People have become used to a state of crisis and a conflict-laden public sphere, leading to a certain amount of division fatigue.
Climate change and natural disasters rank in 15th and 16th place respectively, despite a rising number of natural disasters worldwide. It is interesting to note that only the respondents aged 14 to 19 had climate change in their top three fears.
The fear of immigration is not just about immigration policy but also about social identity, cultural coexistence, and what it means to belong. The number of asylum applications in the first half of 2025 was 73,000, a reduction of about 50% compared with the previous year. The fear of Germany being overwhelmed by an influx of refugees came second on the list, a fear that is especially pronounced in eastern Germany.
Environmental issues have been pushed off the political agenda in Germany and lost their power to mobilize. Climate protection played only a minor role in Germany's latest federal election campaign and is not a priority for the new government.
US President Donald Trump took office for a second term. The fears of authoritarian leadership and Trump policies making the world more dangerous are in places five and six on the ranking list.
It is important to build trust in the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Affordable housing could become the number one social political issue in future election campaigns. The housing topic is especially controversial because there is little sign of relief with living costs, especially rent.
Despite the fears and concerns, it is clear that Germans are resilient and adaptable. They continue to worry that due to higher prices for groceries, fuel, and power, they no longer have enough money to make ends meet at the end of the month. However, the much-feared division and polarization in society does not instill as much fear in Germans - rather the opposite. People have become used to a state of crisis and a conflict-laden public sphere, leading to a certain amount of division fatigue.
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