‘Only option is to leave’: German YouTuber with 2 million followers says he wants to abandon the country after 30 years

Germany has always been seen as the "safe bet" of Europe. It’s supposed to be the place where things work, the streets are safe, and the economy is strong. But for "Radical Living," a YouTuber with 2 million followers, that version of Germany is dead.


In a viral video that’s already been watched nearly millions oftimes, the creator, who spent over 30 years in the country, announced he has packed his bags for good. His main reason? He doesn't think the country is a fit place to raise a family anymore.

'You have failed as a society'

The most gut-wrenching part of his message focuses on safety. He says that once you have kids, your perspective changes. "I don't think Germany is a good place to raise a daughter anymore because women, in general, don't feel safe walking down the street at night," he said.


He pointed to the fact that women in Berlin are now asking for women-only subway cars and vouchers for taxis just to get home safely. To him, this is a sign of a total collapse in culture. "If a woman can't walk down the street at night and feel safe, you have failed as a society," he said.

Everyday life

It isn't just the big headlines driving him away; it’s the small, annoying signs of a society falling apart. He describes going into drugstores in nice neighborhoods like Prenzlauer Berg and finding that basic things like shampoo or cream are locked behind glass.

"Even in a normal supermarket like Edeka, they are locking up alcohol and Red Bulls—things that cost only €1.50—with security tags. What kind of society is this becoming?" he asked.

Even the famous German Christmas markets are changing. He noted that some were canceled recently because the "terror defense", the massive concrete barriers and security needed to prevent attacks, has become too expensive for towns to afford.

Working for the state

On the financial side, he says the "German Dream" has become a nightmare for people who work hard. Between high taxes and social security, he claims he only keeps about 30% of what he makes. "Seven out of 10 hours you are working for the state," he said.

He also slammed the current welfare system, claiming that it makes being "lazy" more profitable than working a regular job. Meanwhile, the country is facing a recession, high energy prices.

He clarified that migration itself isn't the problem and he criticised the government for failing to filter out people who break the law or deport those who shouldn't be there. He feels the leaders are making "one bad decision after another" and that the quality of life is dropping faster every year.

For years, people told him they moved to Germany because of his videos. Now, he’s telling them the opposite. "I'm sorry guys, things have changed," he said.

He added: "The only option you have left is to leave."