East Germany faces demographic crisis and leadership gaps

Research and statistical data highlight several demographic and social shifts in Germany. In East Germany, the Institute of the German Economy warns of a severe demographic crisis. Without migration, the working-age population (ages 15–66) in the eastern federal states is projected to decline by approximately 22 percent by 2045. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is expected to be particularly affected, with a potential 25 percent drop in this demographic.

Simultaneously, a study by the Universities of Leipzig and Jena, along with the University of Zittau-Görlitz, shows that East Germans remain underrepresented in top leadership positions. While their share in elite roles rose slightly from 10.9 percent in 2018 to 12.1 percent in 2024—specifically in public administration and science—it remains significantly below their 15 percent share of the total population. Researchers note that this disparity is influenced by career paths, regional structures, and network access rather than just the post-reunification transition.

In the academic sector, the Federal Statistical Office reports a 1.8 percent increase in doctoral candidates in Germany for 2025, totaling 216,200 individuals. Approximately 25 percent of these candidates hold foreign citizenship, and the largest group of researchers is pursuing degrees in human medicine and health sciences.