Decades of pacifism gone in a day
Germany has elevated security to the top of its political agenda. And it has finally dumped the weak, amoral, and irresponsible foreign policy of the Merkel years. [...]
Germany
Social insurance lessons from Germany
Would we really like to end up with an arrangement that puts a massive wedge between people’s gross and net incomes? A system, by the way, that also harms employment outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable? [...]
A magic dwells in every platitude
The best thing about the German coalition document is that it shows the three parties are able to work together. Though not magical, it is a good start. [...]
The end of the Bundesbank era
With Jens Weidmann’s imminent departure, the ECB will lose its most hawkish governor. The move will also symbolise the ECB’s transition into a less stability-oriented institution – right when high inflation expectations in Europe are taking hold. [...]
Generation Lockdown
There is a major surprise hidden in the overall result of the German elections. That surprise lies in the voting behaviour of first-time voters. [...]
Germany faces coalition conundrum
Germany has voted. The result is not an earthquake, but a landslide. A change of power is looming after 16 years of Christian Democrat-led federal governments. [...]
Angela Merkel governed Germany for 16 years, but never led
Merkel has governed Germany for 16 years, but she never led it. [...]
An absurd election for Germany
Germany’s voters are not to be envied. With an MMP voting system and a choice of unpalatable parties, they must find a way to form a coalition. [...]
Vegan Wagen
The Volkswagen curry wurst is under threat - and that says a lot about the state of the German car industry. [...]
A day to reflect on the meaning of freedom
For younger generations, the Berlin Wall means little. But it is worth knowing about and remembering. [...]