Share

Poverty begins to bite in Germany

The Hague - Almost a sixth of the German population is living below the poverty line, according to the country’s Federal Statistics Bureau.

The bureau on Monday reported on its website that about 13 million people, or 16.1% of the population, earns less than 60% of the average earning of the entire population. This is the guideline set out by the European Union (EU) to establish whether a person may be classified as living below the poverty line.

In 2013 this limit lay at €979 (about R13 700) per month. For a family of two parents with two children, it was €2 056 (about R28 900) per month.

Women and the aged were more vulnerable, according to the bureau. Also the unemployed above 18 years (a full 69.3%) were the victims of poverty. Only 8.6% of those with jobs lived below the poverty line.

In addition, the Munich-based daily Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that 1.64 million German inhabitants below 15 years – 15.7% – had to survive on state grants. According to the Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund, or German Trade Union Federation, children from poor families have a markedly lower chance of succeeding financially as adults and often do not have the chance to receive proper vocational training.

Germany is one of the richest countries in the world, which makes these figures remarkable. However, the German economy has received some setbacks of late. The economic growth forecast for 2014 has been slashed to 1.2% because of a shrinkage of 0.2% in the second quarter of the year as well as a 6% slump in exports.

It is feared the country is heading for a renewed recession which, it is thought, will impact disproportionally on the poor.

 - Fin24
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.88
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.85
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.37
+0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.3%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.3%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders