According to the R+V study, “The Anxieties of the Germans,” released this Thursday and conducted annually since 1992, the most significant worry among Germans for 2026 is the increasing cost of living. Grischa Brower-Rabinowitsch stated in Berlin on Thursday that people “experience daily how expensive everyday life has become.” The study reveals that 59% of respondents fear that their money is no longer sufficient to cover essential expenses. This concern has risen by seven percentage points compared to the previous year, with residents in West Germany being particularly affected, where 60% share this anxiety, compared to 53% in East Germany.
Beyond financial worries, concerns are growing regarding potential tax increases and reductions in social benefits. Fifty-three percent of Germans are worried that the state might resort to higher levies to finance social insurance, defense, and infrastructure. This specific concern has moved up the rankings, from third place to second place when compared to the previous year. Respondents view the rising operational costs as a threat to their financial stability and are questioning who will bear the expenses of modernization.
Another key finding of the study is the marked decline in trust in political institutions. Forty-eight percent of the population expressed fear that the government is overwhelmed by its responsibilities. This skepticism is reflected in the overall assessment of political work, which received an average grade of 4.1. This collective loss of faith in the country’s future is attributed to disappointment in political leadership combined with ongoing economic instability.
