Challenges of Integration in Germany

The integration of former East Germany into the larger West German economy has faced significant challenges over the past few decades. A critical issue is that skilled individuals from the East have relocated to the more prosperous West, leaving behind a populace that is often economically disadvantaged and less ambitious. This demographic shift has led to a decline in political and economic stability in the East, exemplified by the recent success of far-right parties in regional elections. The consequences of these integration difficulties suggest long-term instability as the population continues to age and the socioeconomic divide remains pronounced.