• The majority look to the future with fear.
• Recession feared
• Europe drifting apart
• Trust in politicians at a new low
• Renaissance of human closeness

For the first time in years, German citizens are not starting the new year with optimism: More than half of respondents (55%) are worried about the future. This is according to a recent survey. Representative survey by the BAT Foundation for Future Issues outstanding, in which over 2,000 people aged 14 and over expressed their expectations for 2016. Older Germans, in particular, are skeptical. Almost two-thirds of people over 55 are looking ahead to 2016 with anxiety.. In contrast, younger generations expressed a significantly more positive view, with "only" two-fifths expressing concern. However, fear increased more sharply in no other age group than among those under 35 (2013: 191,000; 2015: 421,000).

„"The current humanitarian crisis and the increasing fear of terrorist attacks have deeply unsettled the population and made them doubt a positive future."“, according to the scientific director of the foundation, Professor Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt.

In 2015, 100,000 more German citizens were employed than the previous year, average wages rose by 2.6 percent, inflation was just 0.2 percent, and the German government projected a 1.7 percent increase in real gross domestic product for the year as a whole. Despite these consistently positive figures, a growing number of German citizens anticipate increasing economic problems for Germany as a business location.

Reinhardt: „"The German economy is robust, and all forecasts predict stable economic growth for the coming years. Nevertheless, the population is worried and fears a negative development. Those in employment, in particular, expect additional burdens and fear they will not be able to maintain their standard of living."“

The head of the BAT Foundation predicts a possible consequence: a decline in consumer spending. Consumers are not only showing price sensitivity in their everyday purchases. They are also having to adjust to cutbacks in their spending habits and experiences. Saving for a rainy day is making a comeback.

Greek bailouts, as well as the euro, economic and financial crisis – all of this has led to a situation in recent years increasing anti-European sentiment and focus on national interests This situation has been led to further disagreements regarding the handling of the refugee situation. As a consequence, more than two-thirds of German citizens expect Europe to drift further apart. There is also widespread agreement among the population on this point.

The rightward trend in elections in Poland, France, Hungary, Austria, Sweden, Great Britain, Denmark or Switzerland shows A great sense of uncertainty among the population throughout Europe, who fear for their own prosperity, are afraid of being overrun by foreigners and prioritize national interests. However, citizens should bear in mind that nation-states, left to their own devices, are overwhelmed by many future challenges. Without a united Europe, economic strength, internal and external security, global importance, living standards and quality of life are at risk. 

„"Citizens should therefore ask themselves whether, in the long run, there is more to gain than to lose by partially relinquishing national sovereignty."“, according to futurologist Ulrich Reinhardt.

A pattern runs through all levels of society. widespread dissatisfaction with the current elected representatives. Many citizens turn away in disappointment or frustration and withdraw their trust. For years, this has led to a high percentage of non-voters or protest voters. Broad segments of the population react with indifference, resignation, or vent their anger outside of elections at demonstrations or in casual conversations. The personal connection to the elected representatives has almost completely been lost. and many feel that politicians are more concerned with their own self-promotion and interests than with constructively solving problems.

The more trust in politics and the economy is lost, the closer people move together again. Nearly nine out of ten Germans agree: "There is less and less room for selfishness in our society; we need to come closer together." Almost half of the German population now expects this to happen in the coming year. This is the highest figure recorded in the past. The younger generation in particular sees a renaissance of community.

Reinhardt: „"Whether within the family, circle of friends, or neighborhood, people come together more closely in times of crisis. Instead of just lamenting what the state has failed to do, many citizens feel personally responsible for the common good and community and take action. This results in mutual help and support, as well as the joint representation of interests and needs."“