Editorial: La Vanguardia

• Many inhabitants of East Germany feel ignored and treated as second-class citizens.
• The latest official report on German unity confirms that the majority of high-ranking positions are held by West Germans.
• It's reported that East Germany suffers from aging and lower income, fuelling social unrest.
• Experts agree that immigration is necessary to maintain economic power and service levels in East Germany.
• The rise of far right is evidenced in recent gains of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in various states.
• There are considerable differences in terms of employment, per capita income and wages between East and West Germany.

Conclusion: Despite Germany's political union, significant divisions still exist, leading to growing skepticism towards the federal Government and the rise of populist parties, especially far-right ones.

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