A great power in trouble: What's wrong with Germany?

Synopsis

Germany, the world's fourth largest economy, faces significant challenges as it grapples with a weakening economic environment compared to other large industrial nations. High energy prices contribute to a poor business climate, leading to concerns about creeping de-industrialization. Some economists and politicians label Germany as the 'sick man of Europe' once again. The onset of the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, marks a pivotal moment, exposing Germany's heavy reliance on Russian gas and highlighting its vulnerabilities. This situation fuels rising right-wing populist sentiments and growing criticism of democratic principles, raising questions about the future of prosperity and democracy in Germany. The discussion features insights from Anna De, a government reporter for Bloomberg News, Valerie Hun from the German newspaper Tagesspiegel, and Kya Hoya, a researcher at King's College London and author of 'Beyond the Wall.'