Germany’s year is off to a bleak start

Germany’s politicians have a short list of New Year’s resolutions: to make considerable improvement across the board. As the new year gets underway, the country is staring down the barrel of a federal election next month. Whoever comes to power must combat economic stagnation, get immigration under control, find a way to effectively collaborate with Donald Trump’s administration on trade and the war in Ukraine, and win back the reins of power within the European Union.

Last year was a turgid year for Germany. Not only did Germany’s federal government collapse in the wake of ongoing internal disputes between the three ruling parties, but the economy continued to stagnate with no hope of growth any time soon.

Just three weeks ago, chancellor Olaf Scholz deliberately lost a vote of confidence in the Bundestag to set up snap elections in February, roughly seven months before the regular federal elections were expected to take place.