Is Germany the model country?

[milanbenes]

funny how times and opinions change

a few years ago, in this forum, myself as a self proclaimed advocate of the german economy and many of their ways, such a question as Sas's would have been shot down in flames with answers about how germany and their economy is crap

finally we are beginning to see the light, and the majority are in agreement that there are many things that germany has got right

Milan.

[Bagpuss]

Apparently Berlin is the place to be, but don't turn up in the backseat of a 30s merc convertable wearing a dirty shirt with 'not properly drawn windows' logos on the sleeves

[Gibbon]

The best thing about Germany is the saunas

[gingerjedi]

Apparently Berlin is the place to be, but don't turn up in the backseat of a 30s merc convertable wearing a dirty shirt with 'not properly drawn windows' logos on the sleeves

When I was there recently a local told me it's the only major city in Europe with a decreasing population, it’s not the prettiest city in Europe but it is one of the most fascinating.

If anyone fancies going I can thoroughly recommend this: http://www.fattirebiketoursberlin.com/

[DodgyAgent]

Germany set a fantastic example as to how a country can thrive with few natural resources and a great deal of determination. However 20 years ago the socialists got hold of power to milk it for everything that it had. Fortunately German Industry has enough skill and organisation and expertise to sustain the status quo, but there is precious little growth and precious few opportunities for the 4 million unemployed.

[milanbenes]

and how many unemployed do we have DA ?

Milan.

[lilelvis2000]

Once the economy really get rolling in Germany and France, the UK is in serious trouble. Most of the UK economy appears to have been built upon layers of debt.

Well done Gordo. On one hand he preaches how rich we are. On another he complains about the growing level of poverty and the wealth gap. So what is it, are we rich or poor?

[sasguru]

Germany set a fantastic example as to how a country can thrive with few natural resources and a great deal of determination. However 20 years ago the socialists got hold of power to milk it for everything that it had. Fortunately German Industry has enough skill and organisation and expertise to sustain the status quo, but there is precious little growth and precious few opportunities for the 4 million unemployed.

Check the latest figures. And do try reading more widely than the Telegraph with its innate and biased prejudices. I suggest the Economist and Der Spiegel.
Actually one of the enduring reasons for Germany's success is the adaptation and common sense that the workers and management show, something that was sorely lacking in class-based Britain in the past. When the Germans realised that their welfare state was too big, in the last 5 years, they all sat down and agreed to trim it without drastic change, with results that we are seeing now.

[DodgyAgent]

and how many unemployed do we have DA ?

Milan.

As SAS correctly pointed out we have a large number of unemployed. I was interested to see if he actually thought about what he has to say. The difference between the UK and Germany is that we have many jobs and the French and Germans have few of them. and whilst I accept the positive counter arguments that he puts forward, I will say that the common denominators that create most of the problems with the French, German and UK revolve around protectionism and socialism.

I know that some of you are advocates of some kind of protectionism but this only leads to comfort and underperformance, which like all eastern european pre cold war industries eventually collapse.

I do believe that the UK with its open markets both in terms of labour and business are much better geared to deal with globalisation than France or Germany.

[gingerjedi]

There are 8 million registered foreign workers in Germany so I guess they have a very similar situation to us in many ways, they're not too proud of their underclass either.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...442990,00.html