Germany's Wealth Inequality Persists, Highlighting Stark East-West Divide

A new report reveals that wealth in Germany remains unevenly distributed, with East Germans facing a higher risk of poverty in old age.

The top 10% of German households control 56% of the country's total wealth, underscoring significant inequality.
East German households have an average net wealth of €150,900, less than half of their West German counterparts at €359,800.
Historical factors, such as limited private wealth accumulation opportunities in the former DDR, contribute to the ongoing disparity.
Rising real estate prices have led to a 62% increase in average household wealth since 2010, benefiting primarily those in the middle wealth bracket.
The report suggests that inheritances and gifts, which are often lightly taxed, perpetuate wealth disparities across generations.