As a German citizen let me tell you, the rate of decline this country is in is truly shocking. This is by far the worst government in my lifetime, and remarkably there is wide consensus about it across the population (above 85% dissatisfaction, if you think I am exaggerating here).

Industry and trade associations aren't happy either, which raises the question who asks for this? Life is getting forcefully precarious for a lot of people: Reduction of labor rights; stigmatization of unemployment, down to calls for forced labor; inflation; heavy increase in taxes; unaffordable housing... Mind you, none of that is economically necessary (e.g. we could prosecute tax evasion and tax the rich to begin with). All while transparency and democratic institutions are needlessly eroded.

And then there is the real threat of a next AfD (fascists oligarchy party) government looming above all. It's like CDU/SPD are preparing for a authoritarian take-over. Incidentally, there are documented connections between CDU leaders and foreign think tanks like The Heritage Foundation. Not to mention the constant endorsement and promotion of the AfD by Musk and Vance.

It's fucking wild and scary. I honestly fear, Germany is past the point of no return. I think we got moderately lucky Trump decided to outdo himself with Iran, and then the recent record heat wave, which felt downright apocalyptic. The theoretical negative consequences of some policies became immediately very tangible and undeniable. But I am not sure that's enough to shake up people. The opposition is somewhat complicit by not stepping up and presenting a vision towards democracy, equality and reason.

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throwaway_20357 41 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

It's the continuation of a process that is going on for 25-30 years. As others have noted, Germany's industrial base is eroding due to high energy costs and Chinese competition. Its political decisions over the last two decades have been questionable, accelerating the decline and any true reform is unlikely to get a majority in the current gerontocratic society. There is no need to attribute this to malice, I think it can adequately be explained by incompetence.

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u8080 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

When you are leading manufacturing power in region and loosing markets to China while allowing external powers to destroy your energy supplies(banning nuclear and blowing Nord Stream 2).

No political bullshit will help with objective reality, being it rightoids who promise "optimizing" social spendings(while leaching on corruption) or leftoids who want to tax the rich(which will just drive factories and businesses to Poland/China/etc).

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Paradigma11 41 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

The destruction of Northstream 2 had no effect at all on the energy supply to Germany. The remaining capacity to Russia was never used over 50%, if that. Considering Russia intentionally drove up prices in the months leading up to the invasion and even rented storage capacity to keep it empty to better blackmail, there never was a sane argument for keeping the gas imports from Russia going.

	▲	u8080 35 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		Limiting supply is limiting bargaining power, you will always end up with better deal even having worse alternative option. As a buyer you want as much supply as possible.

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inigyou an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

You could end the practice of land rent. This would encourage productive activity instead of treading economic water.

	▲	u8080 44 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		If we end rents, who will decide which land belongs to you(Berlin downtown or Shitholeburg province)?

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wartywhoa23 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> This is by far the worst government in my lifetime

I guess we all can safely conclude that all governments of the word (world's government? shoot that tinfoilhat), at least those who have any meaningful means of destruction at hand, are the worst not only in our, but also our parents' lifetimes (assuming the mean age of HN commenters as 30-40).

TL;DR: The fascism is back.

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inigyou an hour ago | parent | next [-]

Germany is not fascist. It strongly supports Israel.

	▲	Batman8675309 an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Some would argue that's the same thing these days.

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jijijijij an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

I think especially in the US it presents as fascism, and the AfD clearly models itself to their image, but fundamentally I think it's globally rather an anti-democratic, social-darwinistic oligarchy. Nothing in current German politics could be described as "ultra-nationalistic" or pushing a personality cult, but rather as semi-opaque sell-out of the country. I think it presents as fascism, but it's more opportunistic and not as ideologically driven as it's been in the past.

Look, Thiel is gay, Weidel is gay, Spahn is gay and they all push anti-LGBT policies globally. They are cynic, self-absorbed, "got mine" psychopaths. They don't feel better because they are white or German, but because they got power, influence and wealth. I almost wish they were nationalists or had an honest concern for any share of the general population. Their politics wouldn't be as destructive. Instead they are building bunkers.

Some make the argument, capitalism needed democracy facing the soviet authoritarian system enemy of the past, but now this freedom and participation has become a weakness in current corporate geopolitics. China has shown, you can have "the best" of both worlds. I personally think, it's just the logical consequence of wealth centralization and inequality we allowed to happen.

The question is ultimately, what kind of culture makes a people, really. Do they deeply identify as free citizens or serfs? For example, the Russians never had a bottom up revolution or systemic change, I don't expect them to rise up no matter the suck. The US is difficult to judge, because of the racial divide and red scare brainwashing era preventing post-war revolutionary tradition found across Europe. They are still very influenced by dogma and repressed emotions. Things are pretty bad and they haven't done shit, so I am afraid they will bow to the suck.

Here in Germany, I don't know. People, grew up learning there is a time for just violence. Looking at past gigantic anti-AfD demonstrations, I am hopeful, if it has to be done, it will get done. I hope there is a large enough share of the population which will make any fundamental power change unsustainable. Right now, people are in shock and still cling to their old realities, but something is brewing already. The generational injustice helps. Then again, large parts of the population are evidently fucking idiots and senile got-mines.