We live in a strange time. Problems are piling up, but the ability to analyse the world in a calm and rational mood and to discuss solutions seriously is declining dramatically fast. Sidebars are increasingly more important than the battles that actually need to be fought. …
Almost everyone now knows that the first German attempt to reform its pay-as-you-go pension system by a funded arm, the famous Riester pension, was a total flop. Nevertheless, even before the government was formed, some parties were again discussing the possibility of strengthening the funded part. …
In the exploratory talks in the run-up to coalition negotiations and in their media accompaniment, the state’s debts played a prominent role. In particular, the conservative parties and their media lobbyists feel called upon to warn against a “softening” of the legally established debt rules in Germany and Europe. …
When European Monetary Union (EMU) was established more than 20 years ago, there was widespread hope that a large single European market, enhanced by a single currency and a single monetary policy, would make a significant contribution to permanently reducing unemployment in Europe. …
