【German Economy Minister Issues Strong Warning: The Country's Economic Situation Is Very Serious】
Berlin time December 22, 2025, German Economy Minister Katrin Reiche said in an interview with T-Online:
The economic situation in Germany is very serious. For the first time since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany, we are unable to fulfill our promises. The next generation will have a worse life than the current one.
Katrin Reiche added:
One of the reasons for the deterioration of the economic situation includes high energy prices and geopolitical changes. Structural issues related to demographic changes, the labor market, social security system, and high energy costs are compounded by geopolitical restructuring: Exports have made Germany strong, but now the decline in exports is causing us to regress.
Katrin Reiche concluded:
We Germans must work harder. Compared to the United States, Germany has 25% fewer annual working hours. Considering the upcoming pension reform, this also means we must discuss the issue of working lifespan, in fact - raising the retirement age. Those who are unwilling to do so should at least be willing to create incentive measures to increase weekly working hours. Economic growth is the basic condition that allows us to afford the current welfare state.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852224102374404/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.