Economists warn: The Alternative for Germany discourages foreign professionals

Complex language, bureaucracy and poor childcare – this does not make Germany particularly attractive to foreign skilled workers. Malminder, economist warns that the resurgence of the AfD is now an additional deterrent.

Economist Ulrike Malmender warned of dire consequences for Germany as a trading location if the AfD’s revival continues. “Our country not only needs skilled workers urgently, but workers at all levels so that prosperity can be maintained,” the economist told Funk Media Group newspapers. “Recruiting workers from abroad won’t work enough if a foreclosure party like the AfD is growing more popular – and polarizing to the fore.”

Germany, with its complex language, bureaucracy and insufficient childcare, said the member of the Council of German Economic Experts was already finding it hard to convince skilled workers to come and stay. The AfD is now another factor: “What the AfD stands for deters foreign professionals.”

Germany’s welcoming culture leaves a lot to be desired. “If nationalist forces are still on the rise, it certainly doesn’t get any easier — especially in areas where we want to locate larger, higher-paying companies,” Malminder said.

Similarities with the United States under Trump

The professor, who conducts research at the University of California, Berkeley, compared developments in the United States under former President Donald Trump. “I experienced the rise of Trumpism in the United States firsthand,” she said. “This is also why the development in Germany bothers me so much.” “I have seen how quickly a society can be divided by simple slogans and sayings.”

At the same time, Malmender defended her colleague, Monica Schnitzer, who advocates for 1.5 million immigrants a year in Germany, against continued criticism. She said Germany needed 400,000 more workers annually. “But since so many are leaving the country again, we need more people to come, 1.5 million.” She added that there are various reasons why so many people have left Germany. “The lack of culture and reception definitely doesn’t help.”

Concerns about continued inflation

The economist is also concerned that inflation will continue to rise. “The current development is also due to special effects – a year ago there was a discount on the tank and a ticket of 9 euros. But I am still worried that inflation is still at six percent,” she told the newspapers.

It has been shown historically that in times of inflation – when people are insecure and simply cannot make ends meet – there can be a voter movement towards more extreme parties, especially on the right-wing spectrum. “More than six percent inflation is far from monetary stability. We have to maintain it so as not to add fuel to the fire and fuel the flow of support for the AfD,” Malmender said.