Thuringia Faces Germany's Sharpest Population Decline

Thuringia recorded the steepest population decline of any German state last year, losing 1.0% of its residents. By the end of 2025, the state's population stood at 2,078,946, a decrease of 21,331 people compared to the previous year. This decline is part of a broader trend in eastern German states, which saw a larger population decrease (0.5%) than western states (0.1%).

“

I believe anyone who hopes that this deficit can be offset by many births is on the wrong track.

Thuringia's Health and Labor Minister, Katharina Schenk, stated that the trend underscores the government's focus on attracting skilled workers from abroad. She dismissed the idea that increased birth rates alone could compensate for the deficit, calling it a misguided hope. "It is clear that we already have a deficit. The generation that left East Germany and Thuringia after the peaceful revolution did not return, and those who are not here cannot have children," Schenk explained.

“

It is clear that we already have a deficit. The generation that left East Germany and Thuringia after the peaceful revolution did not return, and those who are not here cannot have children.

Schenk emphasized the need for Thuringia to become the most family-friendly state, ensuring accessible childcare and employer support for family planning. However, she stressed that immigration is also crucial. "We need immigration," she stated, highlighting a recent trip with Minister-President Mario Voigt to India, a country with a large young population seeking opportunities abroad. "If Thuringia wants these people to see their future in Thuringia, then we need a culture of invitation."

“

If Thuringia wants these people to see their future in Thuringia, then we need a culture of invitation.

Nationwide, Germany's population decreased by 110,000 people in 2025, reaching approximately 83.5 million. Population growth was only observed in the city-states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen. In contrast, the larger, non-city states saw either a decline or remained relatively stable. The AfD party had previously advocated for a "family offensive" to combat the shortage of skilled workers, a strategy that Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke reiterated in December 2025, stating, "We must regenerate ourselves through our own efforts."

“

We must regenerate ourselves through our own efforts.