Germany's Economic Decline Sparks Concerns and Soul-Searching

Germany's Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, warns that the country will face five challenging years of transitioning to a green industrial base, which will burden its people. Habeck urges the government to approve subsidies to protect the industrial sector. The International Monetary Fund predicts a 0.3% contraction in Germany's economy this year. Habeck attributes the downturn to high energy prices, high interest rates, and a slowdown in global trade. He proposes state support in the form of electricity price caps for energy-intensive companies to help them withstand the challenges of the transition. However, the proposed subsidies lack majority support within the governing coalition. Habeck argues that Germany must choose between breaking debt rules or risking the loss of its industrial base.