The German economy is lagging behind technologically, has structural weaknesses and is suffering from the consequences of geopolitical changes and misguided energy policies.
Despite these challenges, optimism is appropriate if society takes action and does not leave the discourse to doomsayers.
What is needed is less bureaucracy, greater promotion of corporate responsibility and a return to a revitalized social market economy. Work must pay and the internal market in the EU should be completed without further common debt. Economic change requires courage and reforms - a long but necessary road.