Well, until around 2003, Germany was the world market leader in photovoltaic systems. Unfortunately, various conservative governments failed to provide the necessary support for research, development, or manufacturing—they did quite the contrary, in fact—with the result that there are now almost no relevant manufacturers left in Germany and the country plays virtually no role in this industry anymore.
Unfortunately, it’s the same as with many other things: lobbying and corruption among politicians are reliably ensuring that the country continues to decline—added to this is excessive bureaucracy and outdated administrative structures, which make innovation extremely difficult.
In short: it’s really no surprise that we now find ourselves in a pretty dire situation.
They could have had fiber optic internet already back in the 80ies (not at the speeds we have today of course, but still) but Kohl’s buddies were big in copper and cable TV so that’s what they got. Good ol’ CDU/CSU corruption. Nothing ever changes.
Yes, unfortunately, but one thing is certain: the goddamned Nazis of the AfD, who already have the support of a quarter of the population because they falsely portray themselves as saviors, will ruin the country for good if they ever come to power. You only have to look at the US to see how disastrous a fascist government is and where its priorities actually lie.
It’s kind of amazing to have this flipped to where Germany is pointing the to US on the dangers of giving in to fascism. We never learn the right lessons from history.
This is terrible. We could never survive with 0.3% less.
Merz taking a leading role in the de-growth movement, I see
I doubt this government lasts half as long as the last and I fear for what may come next.
Oh noes, those poor billionaires.
There is a strong well developed social safety net for billionaires.
