Germany is today praised, on this side of the Rhine, as a model of success: even though it was hit hard by the 2008 crisis, the country soon returned to strong growth and benefits from a very large trade surplus and a contained unemployment rate.
A recent book, which offers an in-depth and long-term perspective of our neighbor – since the creation of the FRG in 1949 –, analyzes notably the 2000s, which was a decade of divergence between France and Germany, following the reforms of Mr. Schröder and then Mrs. Merkel.
So, does Germany constitute a model for that reason? Beyond the structural differences that prevent the application of ready-made “recipes,” a balanced vision of these two countries is necessary.
Thus, Germany also has real weaknesses (its age pyramid, difficulties in integrating foreigners, and sometimes a temptation to draw inward, which appeals to part of the population), while France has major assets (its demographic vigor, its defense capabilities, its international stature).
Should we not consider that the current difference between Germany and France stems from Germany’s deep reflection on medium-term strategy?
And that by 2050, with the French population reaching the level of the German population, there would not be the main risk of having a weakened German partner primarily supported by migratory balance?
