East Germany Faces Economic and Political Shifts

East Germany is experiencing significant political and economic changes. The rise of the AfD is causing concern among economists and business leaders.

Reint E. Gropp, president of the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Halle, warns that the AfD's election successes are making East Germany less attractive. The region needs 400,000 skilled workers annually, but the shift to the right could endanger democracy and the business environment.

The AfD's influence has grown, securing a significant presence in regional parliaments. In Brandenburg, they now hold more than a third of the seats, impacting key decisions.

Other parties must now collaborate with new populist groups like the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance to form majorities. The high voter turnout shows a renewed political engagement, but it also emphasizes the challenges faced by traditional parties.

The AfD's strong social media presence and grassroots campaigns have resonated, particularly among young voters. As the political landscape shifts, there is growing concern about increased migration from East to West Germany.

Traditional parties must address these changes and find new ways to engage with voters to counter the AfD's influence.