Over the past five years, German society has actively shared its concerns during telephone surveys organized by the research group Forschungsgruppe Wahlen e. V.. The responses of over 1,500 respondents were published on the Statista platform, providing a clear picture of the main issues that concern Germans.
Traditional problems: what remains unchanged?
Despite changing priorities in different periods, the list of main challenges remains stable:
- Energy supply and climate
- Migration and integration
- Economy, prices, and wages
- Social inequality
- Rise in popularity of right-wing populism
However, each problem has gained different importance depending on external and internal circumstances.
How the pandemic changed the views of Germans
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this crisis became the dominant issue. In March 2021, 85% of respondents named it as the most important. By the fall of 2022, less than 5% of respondents were talking about the pandemic, and as of September 2023, no one mentioned it as a serious issue.
Russia’s War against Ukraine
The full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine also shifted the focus of public attention. In March 2022, 57% of respondents considered it the most important issue, but by early 2025, only 5% of respondents still prioritize this question. This demonstrates that Germans have gradually adapted to the new geopolitical realities.
Contemporary challenges: integration and economy
In January 2025, the main issue for 34% of respondents was the economic situation. Around 31% of respondents focused on issues related to migrants and integration. This is related to the significant flow of refugees and the challenges that arise during their adaptation in the country.
Other Key Issues
- Energy and Climate — concerning 15% of the population.
- Prices and Salaries — remain important for 11%.
- Pensions — at the center of attention for 8%.
- Social Inequality and Policy Dissatisfaction worrying 6% each.
In addition, the increasing popularity of the right-wing party “Alternative for Germany” causes concern for 7% of respondents.
How Have Priorities Changed in Five Years?
At the beginning of the study in 2020, only 4% of respondents were concerned about the economic situation. Instead, 45% of respondents emphasized the importance of energy, climate, and food security issues. The migration problem ranked second, mentioned by 22% of people.
Conclusions
The issues troubling Germans demonstrate the dynamics of social moods and reflect the impact of global events on society. Economic stability, migrant integration, and resistance to right-wing populism remain the main challenges for Germany, which will shape the country’s agenda in the coming years.
