Quest for Enhanced German Political Climate and Society
Germans Seeking a Better Life Abroad: Emigration Desire and the Search for a More Comfortable Germany
A sizable portion of the German population expresses a desire to emigrate, with more than half of Germans considering the possibility, according to a YouGov survey. The reasons behind the emigration desire range from discomfort with the country to dissatisfaction with economic and political developments.
When asked if they could imagine leaving Germany and emigrating abroad, 31 percent responded affirmatively, while 27 percent indicated they were likely to emigrate. Conversely, 22 percent stated they would probably not emigrate, and 15 percent definitively would not.
Among those expressing a desire to emigrate, the proportion of AfD voters is particularly high: 55 percent expressed a definite desire to emigrate, with 24 percent more likely to consider it.
Those considering emigration cite a multitude of reasons, with the migration situation in Germany being the primary concern for 61 percent. Other factors contributing to the desire to emigrate include the ongoing economic recession (41 percent), the rise of the AfD (23 percent), the potential military threat from Russia (22 percent), and concerns about the shift in the USA as Europe's protector under Trump's presidency (12 percent).
The destination of choice for many potential emigrants is Switzerland (30 percent), followed by Austria (23 percent), Spain (22 percent), and Canada (17 percent). The similarities in political conditions, cultural practices, and the fact that German is spoken in Switzerland and Austria may play a role in their popularity as destination countries.
German sociologist Oliver Nachtwey, living and teaching in Switzerland, notes that while the country is relatively conservative, it has a much higher proportion of residents with a migration background compared to Germany. Nachtwey suggests that emigration wishes are driven by the longing for a Germany of the 80s and 90s, when the country's infrastructure was still in good repair, and politics functioned more effectively, at least in retrospect.
Switzerland is not the only popular destination, with Spain also emerging as a desirable location. The motivation for emigration is not strictly related to the political leanings of potential emigrants, as evidenced by the popularity of Spain among various political affiliations.
Sources: ntv.de, Christoph Driessen, dpa
References:- Economic Stability and High Wages- Quality of Life- Proximity and Cultural Similarity- Free Movement with the EU- Social Networks and Previous Migration Trends
Individuals contemplating emigration cite various reasons, such as the desire for better employment opportunities, which might be facilitated through community or employment policies. Vocational training and education-and-self-development could also potentially flourish in a more comfortable lifestyle offered by the destination country. Personal growth and satisfaction are also key factors in the decision to emigrate, as many seek a society that better aligns with their values and aspirations.
