"Obstruction of the 2030 Agenda, Regardless of Year 2030's Approach"

In the face of a changing economic landscape, Germany is grappling with various proposals and policies to navigate its way forward. One such initiative is the CDU's Agenda 2030, a plan for social state reform, spearheaded by CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann. This agenda calls for a paradigm shift reminiscent of the Agenda 2010, but with a focus on a new model for the social system.

However, the resurrection of the Agenda 2010 as a blueprint for future reforms is a contentious issue. Some argue that if a black-red coalition were to adopt this approach, it could deepen the crisis rather than alleviate it. Critics point to the rosy retrospective view of the Agenda 2010, which hides two significant mistakes. First, contrary to claims, welfare state expenditures have not decreased since 2003, but have actually risen. Second, the long boom in Germany after 2003 was not solely due to the Agenda's effects, but rather the result of turbo-globalization following China's WTO accession in 2001.

The current economic model, based on importing cheap raw materials from Russia and exporting high-quality products to China, is now wobbling. Germany is heading towards a phase of deglobalization, with tariffs and more resilience becoming the norm. This shift, coupled with three years of recession, has led to a staggering three million unemployed individuals in the country.

Amidst this economic downturn, the idea of higher taxes for the rich is gaining traction as a useful anti-crisis measure. The state's asking the rich to pay more could be sensible, as the rich save a lot and consume little, but the state invests. Conversely, Friedrich Merz, a prominent politician, is currently attacking the welfare state, adopting a similar approach to that of Gerhard Schröder in 2003 when he announced that the state's services would be cut.

On the other hand, the CDU's proposed investment booster, the improved depreciation for companies, is expected to have a positive effect. This could potentially cushion the crisis by strengthening consumption at home, a strategy that could be instrumental in reviving the economy.

The current economic situation also raises questions about the wisdom of making life difficult for benefit recipients. With only 700,000 open positions, making the unemployed's journey towards employment more arduous may not be economically sensible.

As Germany navigates these challenging times, the debate around the Agenda 2030 and the role of the welfare state continues. The future of the German economy hangs in the balance, with the potential for either deepening the crisis or paving the way for recovery.

Meanwhile, the economic downturn is also impacting consumer behaviour. For instance, painting the collapse of the German economy on the wall could lead to even fewer people buying goods, such as electric cars. This could have far-reaching implications for businesses and the economy as a whole.

In conclusion, Germany is at a crossroads, with various proposals and policies vying for attention. The path chosen will have a significant impact on the future of the German economy and its people. As the country grapples with these decisions, it's crucial to remember the lessons of the past while looking towards the future with hope and resilience.