[V__]

Another big problem is the mentality. "We have always done it this way" and "I don't want to change it" is extremely prevalent. I say this as a German.

This is also reflected in the big political parties, which would rather keep these beliefs alive than inspire change.

I really don't see a solid economic future for Germany when enough other countries implement more progressive economic policies.

[whiteboardr]

I would disagree.

The willingness to change is there, it's mostly the motives and what is being targeted where the problems are.

We as a country lost our balls.

Decisions are increasingly made on an emotional basis, and the poster child for this has been the politically calculated exit of nuclear power based on the Fukushima accident to gain an election win.

Most of senior management is trying to act like suddenly they are some cool nimble startup CEO that can burn through cash until the subscription fees for lane keeping assists and heated seats are paying the bills.

It's all buzzwords being thrown around without anyone really caring for reality.

Just looking at how the "dress code" changed over the last 10 years in automotive is funny by itself.

Hefty statements, zero backing and ever shrinking balls.

The bill is going to be huge.

[soco]

I somehow have the feelings that you two actually agree quite a lot. Because there are two populations there: one who'd be able and willing to change, and the other busy to protect their own accounts and after me the deluge. It's all which one of these are at the buttons, and I reckon it's the second.

[odiroot]

> Another big problem is the mentality. "We have always done it this way" and "I don't want to change it" is extremely prevalent. I say this as a German.

Interestingly it's not only the domain of the conservatives (e.g. CDU/CSU) to cut any discussion this way. Social democrats (and their voters) use the same argument, just in instances where it fits their program (e.g. labour laws).

> I really don't see a solid economic future for Germany when enough other countries implement more progressive economic policies.

The only party suggesting any such policies consistently fails to clear the 5% threshold as of late. Evidently, the electorate is satisfied with the status quo.

[oytis]

Yeah, I would call both CDU and SPD conservatives, SPD is just a left-conservative with a focus on labour rights. CDU is a bigger problem though, because their voter base is more loyal, and the only way their voters are going to migrate if CDU loses its grip is towards the far-right.

[svara]

> I really don't see a solid economic future for Germany when enough other countries implement more progressive economic policies.

People do change their minds when the pain becomes too intense to ignore, but that is what it takes.