Rising Long-Term Unemployment in Germany Sparks Political Debate
A concerning surge in long-term unemployment has resurfaced in Germany, prompting renewed scrutiny of social welfare programs and fueling political tensions. According to figures obtained by the AfD parliamentary group and reported by “Bild”, the number of individuals unemployed for at least one year has exceeded one million, reaching 1,042,517 as of November 2025. This represents a significant 36.1% of the total unemployed population, signaling a persistent challenge to the nation’s labor market.
The data reveals a particularly stark trend: the proportion of foreign nationals among long-term unemployed individuals has seen a substantial increase. Currently, 32.7% of those classified as long-term unemployed do not hold German citizenship, a statistic that is likely to intensify existing debates regarding integration and welfare dependency.
Financial burdens associated with these long-term unemployment figures are also drawing considerable attention. In 2024, state payments of citizen’s allowance to foreign nationals classified as long-term unemployed amounted to €3.26 billion, excluding costs related to housing, healthcare and potential future pension obligations. The total expenditure for long-term unemployment benefits, based on the Social Code II (SGB II), reached an impressive €9.91 billion for the year.
The figures, initially requested through a parliamentary inquiry by AfD MP Jan Feser, are likely to reignite political arguments surrounding the sustainability of current social welfare models. While proponents argue for robust social safety nets, critics, particularly within the AfD, are increasingly vocal about the financial strain placed on the German economy and questioning the efficacy of current support systems. The increasing proportion of foreign nationals among the long-term unemployed is expected to become a central and potentially divisive, theme within the upcoming political discourse, forcing policymakers to confront the complex interplay of integration, unemployment and economic sustainability. The government now faces pressure to demonstrate proactive strategies for addressing long-term unemployment and controlling associated costs, especially as the economy navigates ongoing global uncertainties.
