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Germany

Germany's Path To Reform

A graying population, low birth rate and record unemployment are weighing down on Germany's health, pension, nursing care and unemployment benefits, which are all threatened with collapse. Along with these rising bills, non-wage labor costs are also soaring, minimizing opportunities for creating new jobs. Add to that Germany’s status as the slowest growing economy in the entire euro zone and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

With his "Agenda 2010" plan of tax cuts, structural reforms and cuts to the social system, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder wants to spur the economy and encourage job creation and consumer spending. The reforms are also intended to bring Germany in line with the deficit spending caps established in the Maastricht Treaty regulating the stability of the euro. The bulk of the legislation is on the agenda this autumn in parliament, and the world is watching to see if Schröder's plan will give the German economy the kick start it needs.

DW.DE

A Quick Guide To ‘Agenda 2010’

The government’s plan to boost the ailing economy focuses on reductions in health care benefits, restructuring labor regulations, tax cuts and an overhaul of the pension system. Here’s an Agenda 2010 overview. (Oct. 9, 2003) 

Labor Market Reforms Spelled Out

Germany's parliament votes on October 17 on labor market reforms that critics say will lead to painful cuts for people in and out of work. Deutsche Welle explains what they are. (Oct. 8, 2003) 

A Look Inside Germany's Healthcare Reforms

In the first of several larger reforms, German parliament has passed a major healthcare package calling for patients to shoulder more of the country’s growing medical costs. DW-WORLD looks at the law's main points. (Sept. 26, 2003) 

Revamping Germany’s Pension System

government-backed commission presented its proposals to reform the German pensions system on Thursday. But whether Chancellor Schröder’s center-left coalition will adopt the recommendations is another matter. (Aug. 28, 2003) 

German Government Accelerates Tax Cuts to Boost Economy

Germany's cabinet approved pushing forward tax cuts. Taxpayers will save €18 million, which the government will have to offset. (June 29, 2003) 

From the Vault: Deutsche Welle's Full Reforms Coverage

Read Deutsche Welle's full coverage of the German reform debate. 

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