A recent poll conducted by Forsa for the German Civil Servants’ Association has revealed a striking shift in public perception of the most significant threats facing Germany, prioritizing internal challenges over external crises. The survey, reported by the “Rheinische Post”, underscores a growing sense of unease regarding the nation’s structural weaknesses and the perceived inadequacy of government responses.
The findings are stark: a resounding 90% of respondents identified problems within the education system as a major or very significant threat. Closely following were societal tensions and conflicts (88%), the widening gap between rich and poor (85%), deteriorating infrastructure (83%) and the escalating threat of cybercrime (83%). These concerns overshadow anxieties surrounding international conflicts, climate change and migration, issues often considered central to national security debates.
Volker Geyer, Chairman of the German Civil Servants’ Association, linked these domestic vulnerabilities directly to the state’s capacity to function effectively. “We are facing a shortage of over 100,000 teachers” Geyer told the “Rheinische Post”, sharply criticizing what he termed “unnecessary debates” surrounding the status of civil servants. He argues such discussions distract from addressing the core issues plaguing the system, particularly the frequent disruptions to schooling and overcrowded classrooms.
The survey’s results suggest a strategic retreat from overwhelming global anxieties. Respondents are, as Geyer puts it, “naturally turning their gaze away from the multi-crises that leave them feeling overwhelmed and encircled, towards solvable things at their local level”. This reflects a desire for stability and reliability, qualities increasingly lacking in the eyes of many citizens.
Crucially, the poll highlights a fear that the state is failing to provide this essential support. Geyer advocates for a return to a model of proactive governance, referencing the perceived successes of past administrations. He specifically cited the response to the banking crisis under Angela Merkel and Peer Steinbrück, where promises of security to savers were delivered and the initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as examples of effective state intervention. Without such proactive engagement, the survey suggests, public trust risks further erosion, fostering a climate of disillusionment and instability.
The poll surveyed 1,004 citizens on December 18th and 19th.