Letter: Generation X Germans may be last to enjoy Europe's dolce vita
From Alka Schumacher, Cologne, Germany
As an American-German family living on both sides of the Atlantic, I must sadly agree with Janan Ganesh's assessment in his characteristically insightful article "Why Europe will not catch up with the US" (Opinion, September 19).
He captures the core issues with precision. However, I find myself even more pessimistic about Germany's ability to preserve the European "dolce vita" beyond Generation X.
The challenges facing Germany are multi-faceted.
Entrepreneurs here continue to struggle with a lack of support and access to funding, which stifles innovation and economic growth. Despite the growing need for modernised industries and fresh ideas, the "old boys' club" mentality persists, keeping power concentrated in the hands of the traditional elite. This resistance to change is not just limiting entrepreneurship but also the ability of Germany to adapt in a rapidly evolving global economy. Moreover, the country's education system is underfunded, leaving younger generations with fewer opportunities to compete in a highly skilled, global workforce.
At the same time, the burden on the social welfare system is at an all-time high, with a worrying trend that many welfare recipients and their offspring may remain dependent on state support. This situation risks creating a growing divide between those who contribute to the system and those who rely on it, further hampering economic progress.
My 20-year-old, who sees these issues first-hand, recently commented that if things continue this way, she may reluctantly move back to the US - a decision she views as a last resort.
It's a sentiment I hear echoed more often by young people in Germany, and it's deeply concerning for the country's future.
Alka Schumacher
Cologne, Germany
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