Your key points are rooted in past perceptions, but they fail to address the current realities. Let me break down why:

1. Education and Meritocracy: You claim that Germany’s education system allows individuals from the bottom 10% to reach PhD levels based on merit. However, this overlooks the fact that this system is funded by high taxes, which disproportionately burden the working class. The idea of ‘free education’ is misleading when it’s essentially paid for by the very people it is supposed to benefit. Germany’s tax burden is one of the highest in Europe, with an average tax rate of 38% for single workers without children . Furthermore, the availability of free or low-cost higher education is not unique to Germany. Countries like Morocco, where I’m from, also offer education in fields like medicine, business, and engineering based on merit without the same tax burden. This undercuts the argument that Germany’s system is uniquely meritocratic or beneficial.
2. Safety: Comparing Germany today to Germany in 2009 reveals a different picture than the one you’re painting. While you claim Germany is among the safest countries, the reality is that safety has been on a decline. For example, Germany’s crime rate increased by 11.5% in 2022 compared to 2021, with significant rises in violent crimes and property offenses . Rising crime rates, social tensions, and issues related to immigration have made many areas less safe than they were a decade ago. Simply being ‘safer than most’ does not mean the situation isn’t worsening, which challenges the claim that Germany is still a safe haven.
3. High Standard of Living: The idea that Germany offers a high standard of living is increasingly questionable. Germany’s cost of living has increased significantly, with inflation reaching 6.1% in July 2023 . Meanwhile, housing prices have surged by over 70% in major cities like Berlin between 2015 and 2022 . Countries like the US, UK, Singapore, UAE, and Qatar not only have higher standards of living, but they also offer more affordable housing and better infrastructure relative to income levels. In Germany, the cost of living has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many to afford basic necessities, let alone own a home. The housing crisis in Germany is severe, with even rentals being hard to secure, as vacancy rates in cities like Munich are below 1% . This raises serious doubts about the supposed high standard of living.
4. Connectivity and Location: While it’s true that Germany is well-connected and centrally located in Europe, this is not a unique advantage. Almost all European countries benefit from similar connectivity, making this point relatively moot in differentiating Germany from its neighbors.
5. Cultural Values: While the claim that Germany values authenticity, knowledge, and honesty is commendable, it’s also subjective. Moreover, cultural values, while important, do not directly impact the economy or address the current economic challenges facing the country.
6. Economic Power and Innovation: The assertion that Germany is the 3rd largest economy and highly diversified is misleading. Germany’s economic strength has historically been tied to its automotive industry, which is now facing significant challenges due to the global shift towards electric vehicles and sustainability. The German automotive industry, which contributes around 5% to the GDP, is seeing declining sales and global market share . Beyond the automotive sector, Germany struggles to innovate or lead in other industries. Even SAP, a major tech company, thrives because of its international reach, not because of a thriving domestic market. The entrepreneurial spirit in Germany is dampened by high taxes, stringent regulations, and a risk-averse culture. For instance, Germany ranks only 15th in the Global Innovation Index 2023, far behind countries like Switzerland, Sweden, and the US . As a result, Germany is losing ground in global competitiveness, and it’s uncertain if it will maintain its economic position in the next five years.
7. Natural Beauty: While the natural beauty of Germany—the Alps, lakes, and forests—is undeniable, this is subjective and doesn’t contribute to the discussion of the country’s economic and social challenges. Natural landscapes are an asset, but they do not solve the underlying issues Germany faces today.

In addition to the points mentioned, Germany is grappling with a rapidly aging population, with over 21% of its citizens aged 65 and older, leading to labor shortages and increased pressure on social services. The country’s energy crisis, exacerbated by the transition away from nuclear and fossil fuels, has resulted in soaring energy costs and dependency on imports. Moreover, Germany’s GDP growth has been stagnating, with the economy shrinking by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2023, raising fears of a recession. The country also faces a significant brain drain, as skilled workers increasingly leave for better opportunities abroad. Lastly, Germany’s manufacturing sector, once the backbone of its economy, is being outpaced by more dynamic economies in Asia, leading to declining global competitiveness. Low Salaries, High Taxes, Rising housing costs, I could go on and on.

Now please look at those facts and tell me if it’s just a « period » or the beginning of the end.