As Germany heads to the polls this Sunday to elect a new government, the economy remains a pressing concern for voters. Following two consecutive years of economic contraction, there are fears that this stagnation might persist into a third year. The post-Covid recovery has been severely disrupted by Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis, revealing Berlin’s heavy dependence on Russian oil and gas, which has created significant vulnerabilities in the economy.
Compounding these challenges are the geopolitical shifts marked by the potential return of Donald Trump as US president, which further clouds Germany’s economic outlook. The combination of these factors has laid bare the urgent need for effective governance and policy direction to help Germany navigate its economic woes. In light of these challenges, Charles Pellegrin speaks with Shahin Vallée, a senior research fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations, to explore Germany’s current predicament and possible strategies for recovery.
Germans are voting amid economic uncertainty, with two years of contraction threatened to extend into a third. The invasion of Ukraine and reliance on Russian energy sources highlight systemic vulnerabilities. The looming possibility of Donald Trump’s return adds further uncertainty, prompting discussions on recovery strategies with experts like Shahin Vallée from the German Council on Foreign Relations.
Germany’s economic struggles have been exacerbated by longstanding dependencies and recent geopolitical events. As voters prepare to make critical choices at the polls, understanding the interplay between these economic and political elements is key to predicting the future trajectory of the nation. Effective leadership will be essential for Germany to break free from its current economic grip and forge a path towards recovery.
Original Source: www.france24.com
