Germans rank education failures as the nation's top crisis over climate change
A new survey reveals deep concerns about Germany's education system. Nine out of ten respondents now see educational shortcomings as the biggest threat to the country's future. This issue ranks above social tensions, wealth inequality, and even climate change in public perception. The findings show broad agreement across political lines. A strong majority also believe the civil service, including schools, must take a leading role in solving these challenges. The survey, analysed by the German Philologists' Association, highlights widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of education. An overwhelming 90% of Germans view educational failures as a central risk to national development. This places education above other major concerns: social tensions worry 88%, the wealth gap 85%, right-wing extremism 70%, and climate change 62%. Support for change extends beyond public opinion. The Philologists' Association interprets the results as a direct call for political leaders to act. They are pushing for a complete overhaul of education policy, arguing that the survey provides a clear mandate for reform. Respondents also stressed the importance of public institutions in addressing the crisis. Nearly seven in ten (68%) believe the civil service—particularly schools—must play a key role in tackling educational challenges. However, the survey notes a lack of recent comparative data on how perceptions of education have shifted over the past five years relative to other issues like climate change or extremism. The survey underscores education as Germany's top concern, outranking other pressing national issues. With cross-party agreement on the severity of the problem, pressure is growing for policymakers to respond. The Philologists' Association has already framed the results as a demand for immediate and fundamental policy changes.
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