Well hello there, folks, and thanks for coming back to check out the latest blog.

This one isn't going to be a particularly happy read, but it's not a catastrophe either.

I'll say this bluntly: Germany is in severe trouble. To be perfectly honest, I'm not too sure how the country is going to escape these issues before it becomes what I would consider to be a less powerful nation. I would even go so far as to say that Germany appears to be slipping toward a more authoritarian style of government.

Now, I'm not saying it will be anything like World War Two. No, far from it. However, some of the changes being proposed are genuinely causing me concern.

One of the proposals is to reduce or restrict Freedom of Information requests, which are currently available to reporters and others seeking access to government information in Germany. If this proposal becomes law, it would make it much more difficult for anyone to obtain transparency from the government.

The next issue is, in my opinion, even more concerning. The federal police are being granted additional powers of arrest. I'm not entirely sure what the closest equivalent would be in the United States—perhaps something similar to the FBI—but regardless, expanding those powers, alongside restricting Freedom of Information requests, raises concerns for me.

On top of that, the German government is also attempting to introduce the use of drones for security purposes. Critics argue that these drones may go far beyond legitimate security concerns and instead be used to monitor ordinary behaviour that could easily be misinterpreted.

One example raised by a politician involved someone walking around on a train platform after missing their train. They're understandably frustrated because they now have to wait for the next one, which could take some time. A drone observing that behaviour could potentially misinterpret it and flag the person as someone behaving suspiciously, perhaps even as a potential pickpocket.

If these proposals eventually become law, then yes, ladies and gentlemen, I believe we are looking at a move toward a more authoritarian country.

There is also concern surrounding the political coalition known as the AfD, which stands for Alternative für Deutschland. The leader of this party comes across as level-headed, articulate, calm, and confident leader. Those qualities make her appealing to many people who are looking for stronger leadership.

However, the people around her are not always on the same page. They have differing perspectives. While they agree on some issues, they disagree on others, and some of those positions are viewed as being very restrictive and severe for Germany, should the party eventually become the country's governing leadership.

Germany is also facing significant economic challenges. Many businesses are struggling with bureaucracy that is becoming more restrictive rather than more flexible. At the same time, high energy costs—mostly linked to the war in Ukraine and other contributing factors—are placing enormous (and some catastrophic) pressure on businesses.

As a result, many companies are no longer hiring. Some are reducing their operations, while others are relocating to different countries. In my view, the German government is not doing enough to prevent this.

So, if you're considering moving to Germany in search of work, I would strongly recommend that you carefully reconsider your plans. Unless you're fluent in German, under 45 years of age, possess recognised German qualifications in your profession, or hold advanced qualifications such as a doctorate or degrees in fields like engineering, electronics, plumbing, construction, computer science, law, or similar professions, you may find it extremely difficult to secure employment.

Likewise, if you're already living in Germany, you're over the age of 45 or 50, and you're still searching for work without formal qualifications because obtaining those qualifications is too expensive, then you may also face an extremely difficult job market.

Unfortunately, minimum wage jobs are no longer sufficient to comfortably afford an apartment. Even earning what is considered a living wage can still leave many people living at or near the poverty line.

One final point worth mentioning concerns housing. If you're searching for a relatively inexpensive apartment—perhaps in the €450 to €600 per month range—the chances of actually securing one are incredibly small.

I'm not trying to make Germany sound like a terrible place. My goal is simply to make sure people understand the reality of what's involved in trying to survive here in 2026. It has become extraordinarily difficult.

Thankfully, Germany still has long-term disability support for those who genuinely need it. However, that doesn't solve the broader economic problems.

If you're about to lose your job in Germany, there are also new rules regarding unemployment benefits. Under these rules, you may not receive unemployment support immediately after becoming unemployed. Instead, you may first be required to sell certain assets that you own.

For example, if you have €60,000 in savings, an additional vehicle, or another property, the expectation is that you would first sell those assets before becoming eligible for unemployment benefits. Previously, this was not required. This is a new policy beginning in 2026.

In my opinion, all things considered, Germany is not a top destination for this year or next.