A deepening crisis of destitution is gripping Germany, exacerbated by increasingly stringent austerity measures and a surge in synthetic drug use, according to Caritas, the nation’s largest Catholic social services organization. Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa, President of Caritas, voiced deep concern over a visible rise in individuals experiencing profound impoverishment, particularly those reliant on services provided at railway stations.
“We are witnessing a worrying trend” Welskop-Deffaa stated in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”. “The number of people visibly marked by destitution is undeniably increasing at the stations and our colleagues are profoundly affected by the realization of how utterly isolated many would become without these vital, accessible support points.
The problem, she argues, is compounded by a systematic dismantling of social safety nets. Across Germany, low-threshold support services are being slashed or eliminated entirely due to austerity policies, leaving vulnerable individuals with dwindling options. This has resulted in a noticeable increase in visible homelessness and a sharp deterioration in the living conditions of those already on the margins of society.
Beyond the economic hardship, Caritas is also reporting a dramatic rise in the consumption of synthetic drugs. Aid workers describe a concerning escalation in addiction, frequently leading to severe psychological changes, disorientation and a rapid descent into dependency. The devastating impact of these drugs, coupled with the diminishing availability of support services, creates a potent and dangerous combination.
Caritas is attempting to address the long-term issues with a project, “Social Space Station” funded by the Mercator Foundation. This initiative aims to move beyond the reactive provision of aid to those already in crisis, envisioning railway stations as hubs for social engagement and community connection. However, Welskop-Deffaa’s comments underscore a stark political critique: the current trajectory of austerity risks creating a permanent underclass, pushing individuals further into desperation and jeopardizing the very fabric of social cohesion within Germany. The organization is implicitly calling for a reassessment of government priorities and a renewed commitment to robust social support systems.