A mere seventeen percent of East Germans express faith in their government
In a recent survey, Volker Geyer, the chairman of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (dbb), described the shortage of staff in public authorities as "increasingly dramatic." This sentiment is shared by many, as 58% of respondents consider clear regulation of individual authorities' responsibilities important.
The German federal government is currently under pressure from various sectors. In the asylum and refugee policy sector, strained accommodations, insufficient housing, and integration challenges have placed a significant burden on the government. Similarly, demographic changes and the need to balance sustainability amid increasing social welfare demands are causing pressures in the social insurance and pensions sector.
The education sector is also feeling the strain, with the integration of refugee children and the provision of adequate schooling infrastructure proving challenging. Financial and infrastructure constraints, such as a lack of daycare places and affordable housing, are causing difficulties for municipalities.
Tax and finance challenges relate to funding these social and integration programs while maintaining fiscal balance. Issues in internal security involve managing migration flows and concerns around social order, and the health sector is burdened by the healthcare needs of refugees and the integration of new populations into health systems.
According to the survey, respondents believe the state is overwhelmed in as many as 30% of cases in asylum and refugee policy, 16% in social security and pensions, 15% in schools/education, 13% in taxes/finances, 12% in internal security, and 11% in healthcare.
Geyer stated that the unchecked decline in trust could result in a "very hard landing." He called for a debate on the future tasks and capabilities of the state.
Interestingly, the survey revealed that trust in the state varies significantly based on educational background. Those with a primary school leaving certificate trust the state in 16% of cases, while those with a university degree trust it in 29%.
The survey also showed that supporters of the SPD and Greens have more than 40% trust in the state, while those of the Union and Left have around one-third each, and those of the AfD have only 4%.
In eastern Germany, only 17% believe the state is capable of fulfilling its tasks, compared to 24% in the west. This is concerning, as three out of four federal citizens believe the state is overwhelmed in solving its tasks and problems, marking a record low in trust.
Geyer warned against hostility towards employees in the public sector, citing increased incidents of hindrance, harassment, insults, or attacks. He emphasized the need for the Union and SPD to professionally implement their plans.
In a positive note, 85% of respondents consider fewer regulations important for public authorities, suggesting a desire for more efficiency and streamlined processes. Almost one in five believe the current black-red federal government will strengthen the state's performance more than its predecessor.
This particular issue affects deployment forces from the police and rescue services, as well as drivers of buses and trams, according to dbb. The shortage of staff in public authorities is indeed a pressing issue that needs immediate attention and resolution.
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