A study by the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung reveals increasing income inequality in Germany, leading to heightened fears of poverty and declining trust in institutions. The Gini coefficient has risen from 0.282 in 2010 to 0.31 in 2021, indicating growing disparities. Nearly 18% of the population lives in poverty, with significant concern among lower-income households about maintaining their living standards. The report warns of a potential decline in political participation as disillusionment grows, with nearly 20% of low-income individuals planning to abstain from voting in the upcoming Bundestag elections.