Most economists says Germany has neglected its public infrastructure and invested too little in digitisation
Outgoing German chancellor Angela Merkel attends a ceremony as part of celebrations for the 31st anniversary of Germany's Unification Day, in the city of Halle, Germany, on October 3 2021. Picture: POOL via REUTERS/JAN WOITASChancellor Angela Merkel has steered Germany through many crises over the past 16 years, but she has also left behind a mixed legacy and failed to tackle some deep structural problems in Europe’s largest economy.
The unusually strong growth outlook is mainly due to the recovery and catch-up effects from the Covid-19 pandemic. But under the shiny surface, things look less bright. The government's goal of offering fast internet through a nationwide network is a long way off. There are still too few fibreoptic cables, especially in rural areas.
As carmakers and suppliers rely almost exclusively on chips from only a few manufacturers in Asia and the US, supply chain disruptions have exposed an achilles heel in Deutschland’s business model. The shortages of microchips and other industrial components are hampering the economic recovery this year, forcing executives and policymakers to rethink supply lines and try to reduce reliance on a handful of Asian and US suppliers.
Faced with a rapidly ageing society and a shrinking work force, Merkel has largely ignored calls to take more steps to reform the public pension system and make immigration rules more flexible.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why it is so difficult to talk about race in CubaClara Ferreira Marques speaks to historian Ada Ferrer about Cuba’s legacy of slavery and revolution, and its tight relationship with the US
Read more »
Stoan Seate talks about retiring from music to pursue fine art & poetry'The poetry now is the concentration of who I am and my artistic identity.'
Read more »
WATCH: Shauwn Mkhize ’makes it rain’ R200 notes after Royal AM beat Maritzburg UnitedThe unbridled excitement of Royal AM's entourage after the team's last gasp KZN derby victory over Maritzburg United saw them rewarding their players with cash.
Read more »
Were Royal AM players humiliated after MaMkhize's cash rewards?Twitter users were divided over the 'incentive' players received and how it was conducted.
Read more »
WATCH: Royal AM owner splashes the cash on the pitch after win'Some of the players feel like the club is just doing all of this for the buzz on social media,' a source told the Mgosi Squad.
Read more »
PSL prosecutor Nande Becker to charge Royal AM and several officialsPremier Soccer League (PSL) prosecutor Nande Becker has confirmed to TimesLIVE that he is going to charge the increasingly controversial KwaZulu-Natal club Royal AM and its various officials.
Read more »