An editorial in the British “Guardian” analyzes the situation in Germany under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The criticism is clear: the direction of the economy is in danger of failing and the political center is wavering.
The British “Guardian” analyzed the economic and political situation in Germany under Chancellor Friedrich Merz in an editorial. The newspaper described the gloomy atmosphere in the country. Initially there was reason for optimism because Germany had a stable government again. But “six months after Merz took office, those fears have returned,” the Guardian said.
The war in Ukraine, Chinese economic pressure and US trade policy have shaken Germany’s export-oriented model, the editorial said. However, the possibility of a “self-made” cause is still not mentioned.
Efforts to stimulate the economy through massive investment have not produced the expected results. On the contrary, uncertainty among society is increasing. This left-liberal newspaper is deeply concerned about economic stagnation and the rise of the AfD.
Big plans, but little progress
After his election victory, Merz presented an ambitious program intended to bring Germany out of the economic doldrums. This amount includes 500 billion euros for infrastructure projects and green economic restructuring as well as a significant increase in defense spending.
These steps should prepare Germany for a new era in which America will become less and less of a reliable partner. However, current preliminary estimates suggest that growth could remain below one percent until 2026. Business confidence is also declining, which has a negative impact on the economy.
Growing dissatisfaction among the population
According to the Guardian, economic stagnation also has political consequences. The current survey shows how dissatisfied the public is with the performance of the black-red coalition. At the same time, the AfD continues to gain support and leads in opinion polls. The “Guardian” saw this as a danger to the political center in Germany. The newspaper warned that public discontent could permanently change the political landscape.
With the AfD leading in opinion polls, disillusionment among voters is not only a problem for the Chancellor and his coalition government, but also for “the whole of mainstream politics,” the “Guardian” summarized.
Criticize old recipes, praise billions in debt
The editorial also warned that Merz could revert to old austerity measures under pressure from his critics. A former BlackRock manager and advocate of strict fiscal discipline, he is known for cutting social spending. However, according to the Guardian, this was a mistake.
In contrast, Germany urgently needs investment to assert itself in the “multipolar global economy.” A return to the old austerity measures would weaken the German economy, the warning said. Therefore, British newspapers supported the government’s billion-dollar debt plan.
