Economic Success Doesn’t Erase Pessimism in Eastern Germany

While eastern Germany boasts economic growth, lower unemployment, and investment, a sense of pessimism lingers, particularly in rural areas. The region’s economic success, including Tesla’s factory in Brandenburg, has not translated into a universal sense of optimism. The shrinking population in rural areas, coupled with an aging population and a lack of public services, contributes to a feeling of deprivation, driving support for the far-right AfD party. Despite these challenges, business leaders warn that the AfD’s rise could threaten economic development, emphasizing the importance of diversity and openness.