News and insights

Democratic resilience in uncertain times: How can we overcome our fear?

Verian Institute for Public Impact

03 June 2025 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM CEST

Dr Michelle Harrison

Chair, Verian Institute for Public Impact

In partnership with the Oliver Wyman Forum, the Verian Institute for Public Impact hosted a 'Breakfast Roundtable' to discuss the conditions of democratic resilience in Germany and explore how an alliance of public, private and civil society actors can support the formation of a new consensus.

We provided empirical answers to the following questions:

Why are Germans losing confidence and what drives high levels of anxiety in public discourse?
Why are young people turning to the political fringes and what does this mean for the future?
Can it be possible to convey a feeling of security and optimism to the people of Germany in such difficult times for the economy? How can we form alliances to support our democracy in a time of social inequality and economic challenge?

After an input presentation based on empirical data, participants from public administration, civil society and the business sector discussed the results and potential solutions for democratic disengagement.

Verian Group