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Germany's Rocky Road to Reformation

March 18, 2005

On January 1st this year, a series of unpopular reforms were introduced in Germany as part of the government's plan to lead the stricken nation into an economic recovery.

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Image: dpa Zentralbild

Post-war record unemployment...German citizens taking to the streets in protest...far-right parties capitalizing on the disillusionment spreading in areas of the country...

At first glance, the German government's reform program aimed at kick-starting a comatose economy and finding work for over five million jobless looks to be a monumental failure as Gerhard Schröder and the SPD-Green coalition seemingly lurch from crisis to crisis.

However, with the first round of Hartz IV labor reforms coming into being at the start of the year, things look to be slowly changing. While there are still no miracle cures for Germany's ailments, the country's politicians are beginning to work together on ways to implement the reforms and get them working for the German people.

Here DW-WORLD presents the latest stories from Germany's rocky road to reformation.

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Reports & Analysis

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

As Germany tries to find its way out of the stubborn quagmire of high unemployment, many of those affected are more concerned with slinging the mud of blame than they are with changing the course of their own fates.
March 16, 2005

Reform Opponents Ponder "What Now?"

Last year, an opposition movement gained momentum protesting the German government’s welfare and labor market reforms. But now that reforms are a reality, protest groups are looking at ways to keep the opposition alive.
January 18, 2005

Schröder Accepts Opposition Offer of Help

As unemployment in Germany reaches new heights, Chancellor Schröder says he's willing to discuss new reforms with the conservative opposition so long as their motive is more than electioneering.
March 3, 2005

Germany 2004: The Road to Reform

The year 2004 saw Germany furthering structural reforms in both its health care system and labor market. The reforms, meant to boost economic growth and ensure survival of the welfare system, have been controversial.
December 30, 2004

Self-Employed Immigrants Make It Happen

Within Germany's immigrant community, many have snapped up the opportunities offered by the "Me Incorporated" self-employment scheme. If successful, they often find themselves boosting cottage industries back home.
February 28, 2005

In Coma and Looking for Work

Are comatose people fit to work? German towns grappling with welfare cuts and labor reforms thought so when they registered them with job centers. But the federal government, facing spiraling costs, is not amused.
February 25, 2005

Economists, Industry Pin Hopes on 2005

After several years of stagnation, the German economy has begun showing signs of life and some economists and industry leaders say they are cautiously optimistic about 2005. Others say Germany’s not out of the woods yet.
January 4, 2005

A Basic Income For All?

Rising unemployment figures and poverty levels in Germany are begging for a solution. Some experts say the answer is doing away with welfare, and introducing a basic income for all citizens.
March 17, 2005