Germany is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, with many wondering how the country will recover. A two-year recession has left the economy struggling, and despite efforts by politicians to address the issue, no clear solution seems apparent.
High energy prices, excessive bureaucracy, and increased competition from China have taken a toll on businesses, while an aging population means there are fewer highly qualified workers to fill important jobs. Years of underinvestment in infrastructure are also contributing to the problem.
Politicians on both sides of the aisle are promising sweeping tax cuts, but few have provided plausible explanations for how they plan to finance them. The Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, Germany’s traditional ruling parties, are divided on how to address the crisis, with some advocating for a return to growth through low-carbon technologies and others prioritizing defense spending.
Experts warn that if the economy does not change course, Germans may have to come to terms with “loss” rather than expecting constant progress. This mindset shift is necessary to acknowledge that decline is an inevitable part of life, and that some societies must learn to adapt.
Ultimately, Germany’s economic woes are a symptom of a deeper issue – the country’s inability to confront the reality of its own decline. The question now is whether politicians can put aside partisan differences and work towards a solution that benefits all Germans, or if they will continue to perpetuate a cycle of promises that fail to deliver.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/opinion/germany-election-economy.html