Shortly before the turn of the year, the news from the economy is not encouraging. The agreement on the restructuring of Volkswagen has once again demonstrated how much the industry’s previous successes, which have been taken for granted over time, cannot be continued. The German economy, like other economies in Europe, has lost touch in important areas of modern technology, especially with the United States, but also to some extent with China. Spoiled by the success of the export-oriented industry, politics and society in Germany have also had it for a long time The disruptive nature of digitalization is underestimated and the incremental further development of proven technologies is mistakenly assumed to be the guarantee for a continued successful economy. Geopolitical changes have contributed to serious failures from the recent and more distant past becoming apparent let. Low productivity growth in the economy does not remain the only weak point. The devastating consequences of an energy policy that was forward-looking but appears to be backward-looking are just as unmistakable as inadequate defense preparedness, a dilapidated infrastructure in parts and a frightening decline in the education system. Germany has become old in several respects. Don’t leave the discourse to constant outrage and doom-mongers. And yet it’s not appropriate to be pessimistic, but rather to be optimistic. Change for the better is possible, although it will take time and patience. But it requires the commitment of civil society, which must take part in the debate about the best path forward. On the other hand, anyone who leaves the public discourse to the perpetually outraged, naysayers and conspiracy theorists, who considers excited chatter, hatred and agitation on digital platforms to be authoritative or who expects fact-oriented solutions from Russia-friendly parties is gambling away their future Anchored in the foundations of the West – both European and transatlantic – it is of course possible to face the current challenges. Anyone who compares them with the historical ruptures that Germany experienced several times in the 20th century will see lamentation at a still high level for the year 2024, which is coming to a close. The recipes have been known for a long time. What is needed is a liberation – a liberation from the mistaken idea that things could go back to the way they used to be; a liberation from the fear that Germany would be at the mercy of an inevitable decline, and a liberation from the wish that the benevolent father state would sort things out as long as he could spend enough money. The coming federal election is not about which parties can most consistently patronize citizens and steer the economy most effectively. It depends on which parties are most likely to support freedom so that companies can independently explore the most promising paths for their future. The recipes have been known for a long time. Less bureaucracy and regulations are needed at national and also at the European Union level. Promoting emissions trading and not regulatory law is best suited to combining economic prosperity and climate policy. Subsidies and industrial policy remain inadequate means of promoting the economy and striving for economic independence from the increasingly harsh global market. More on the topic Economic change must be permitted, even if it is initially accompanied by job and capacity reductions in traditional economic sectors. In the European Union, the internal market should be completed and further common debt pools should be rejected. In Germany there needs to be a return to the realization that a healthy economy and not political will are the prerequisite for a welfare state. Work has to be worth it. In summary, there is a need for an energetic policy that advocates for a revitalized social market economy and recognizes that the intervention spirals that have been spreading for a long time are policies that are harmful to prosperity. The path will be long, but even the longest path begins with one step.
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