The rise of AfD threatens Germany's ability to attract the workers it needs
Economists warn that anti-immigration policies can worsen the country's worker deficit.
Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers due to its aging population, with a predicted deficit of 723,000 workers by 2029. The eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt is particularly affected, with a current deficit of nearly 14,000 workers and a predicted increase to 32,000 by 2031. The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt and proposes to address the shortage by encouraging Germans to return to the state, rather than attracting foreign workers.
Economists warn that this approach could exacerbate the problem, with the Institute for Economic Research (IWH) predicting a deficit of 46,000 workers by the end of the legislative term if AfD's policies are implemented.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais Economia's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
