According to a survey, fewer and fewer Germans are optimistic about their economic future. Only 15 percent of those surveyed expect that they and their families will be better off in five years than they are today, according to the "Trust Barometer" from the consulting firm Edelman. In the previous year, 22 percent had expected an improvement in their situation.

The new value marks a low for Germany and the majority of the countries surveyed since the survey began in 2001, it said. The authors identify inflation and respondents' fear of losing their jobs as drivers of uncertainty. Climate change or a possible nuclear war are also a cause for concern.

Respondents see companies as having an obligation

According to the survey, many Germans see companies as responsible for a better future. On the one hand, the respondents demand that management personnel take a public position on issues such as climate change and the wealth gap. On the other hand, companies should pay fair wages and taxes and offer their employees the opportunity for further training.

The consulting firm Edelman conducted the representative survey in November 2022 in 28 countries. A total of 32,000 people took part in the survey.