Part 5/10:
One of the most pronounced aspects of Germany's economic crisis is the stark divide between East and West. The legacy of reunification remains, with the East lagging behind in critical indicators such as wages, education, and public services. Eastern Germans often feel like second-class citizens in a nation where they still grapple with lower living standards and fewer opportunities, contributing to the rising popularity of the AfD in these regions.
While post-reunification investments attempted to balance opportunities, stagnation in progress has left many feeling frustrated and disenfranchised. The average net wealth in Eastern households lags at €43,000, compared to €127,000 in the West, reinforcing feelings of inequality.