Guest commentary: The German reform paradox, and how Merz can crack it
Everyone wants reforms, but everyone is waiting for others to start. Robert Peters, Director of the Institute for Innovation and Technology, shows how this blockade can be resolved.
The future of Germany's economic model hangs in the balance as Chancellor Friedrich Merz navigates reforms. A recent survey by the Forschungsgruppe Wahlen in May 2026 found 89 percent of respondents believe fundamental reforms are necessary, even if they lead to financial burdens. However, various groups are hesitant to make the first move, waiting for others to take the lead.
For reforms to succeed, they must be designed to make it more reasonable for individuals and groups to participate than to wait. This requires reliable framework conditions and a fair distribution of burdens.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
