Podcast Summary

Make Economy Great Again

Episode: "Das Einzige, was wächst, ist der Staat"
Date: December 23, 2024
Host: WELT
Guests: Daniel Stelter (Economist), Ulf Poschardt (WELT Publisher), Eugen Freund

Overview

This episode centers on the stagnation and decline of Germany's economy and industry. Hosts Daniel Stelter and Ulf Poschardt analyze the roots of this malaise, asking why economic issues have vanished from the political spotlight in an election year. They debate what kind of culture shift or "Kulturkampf" is required for Germany to achieve a new economic miracle, and the significance of liberal vs. conservative narratives. The discussion ranges from economic policies to cultural identity, with occasional pointed cultural criticism and references to current political figures and social trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diagnosis: Germany's Struggling Economy

• Skepticism from the IFO Institute:
  Daniel Stelter opens with the observation that the IFO Institute—a leading German think tank—is pessimistic about Germany’s economic prospects.

  "Das IFO Institute blickt deutlich skeptisch auf deutsche Konjunktur." (Daniel Stelter, 00:00)

• Germany is seen as stagnating, with poor industrial prospects and declining attractiveness to investors.

  "Warum kam man am Ende dieses Jahres, was in Deutschland grade zu passiert, gewissermaßen des Gegenteil: 'Make Economy Not So Great Again'?" (Ulf Poschardt, 00:54)

• A Political Blind Spot:
  The hosts argue that, despite the economic downturn, the political debate ahead of the elections largely ignores these issues.

  "It's the economy, stupid." (Ulf Poschardt, 04:25)

2. Cultural Displacement and Economic Apathy

• Shift Away from Core Questions:
  Citing media distraction, the panel discusses how cultural flashpoints (like Christmas markets and identity debates) often overshadow serious economic discourse.

  "Wir haben eine reale Gefahr … kulturell und medial wahnsinnig bunt, aber reden wir lieber über Weihnachtsmarkt statt über unsere wirtschaftlichen Schwächen." (Eugen Freund, 05:52)

• Kulturkampf and National Identity:
  They ask whether a "culture war" is needed to wake up German society, noting that divisive cultural themes crowd out frank economic discussion.

3. Failing Political Leadership and Policy

• Lack of Vision from Political Leaders:
  Politicians from all parties are critiqued for avoiding frank talk about economic reform, favoring populism or culture-war topics.

  "Dabei ist das die eine Sache, links wie rechts rufen, aber keiner schaut auf die Wirtschaft." (Daniel Stelter, 04:23)

• The State Is the Only Thing Growing:
  Reference to the episode’s title: the hosts lament that, instead of private enterprise, only the state sector is expanding.

4. The Role of Media and Cultural Elites

• Media’s Failure to Address the Crisis:
  There’s sharp criticism of mainstream media for focusing energies on culture wars and neglecting economic crisis.

  "Die Kulturleute, die diese Scheiße auf die Bühne gebracht haben, ... denen fehlt der Common Sense der Bürger." (Daniel Stelter, 43:01)

• Moral Grandstanding:
  The hosts point out the arrogance and self-congratulation displayed by some media figures.

  "Diese bornierte, arrogante Art der selbstbeweihräucherung, der moralischen Unterlegenheit." (Eugen Freund, 50:54)

• Conflation of Economic and Cultural Anxiety:
  In referencing both left-wing and conservative figures, the hosts suggest that Germany is trapped in a cul-de-sac of cultural and economic insecurity.

5. Glimmers of Hope and Historical Parallels

• References to Past Reformers:
  The hosts invoke Gerhard Schröder and even Gorbachev as figures who led sweeping reforms when they were most necessary.

  "Gerhard Schröder: Entweder wir modernisieren uns, oder wir werden modernisiert." (Eugen Freund, 44:36)

• A Call for Courage and Clarity:
  The hosts urge leaders to show the courage to name uncomfortable truths—economically and culturally—and make bold reforms.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's the economy, stupid.”
  (Ulf Poschardt, 04:25)
  Referencing the famous Clinton-era slogan, underscoring the episode’s refrain.

• “Die Kulturleute, die diese Scheiße auf die Bühne gebracht haben, ... denen fehlt der Common Sense der Bürger.”
  (Daniel Stelter, 43:01)
  Stelter’s sharp critique of cultural elites.

• “Gerhard Schröder: Entweder wir modernisieren uns, oder wir werden modernisiert.”
  (Eugen Freund, 44:36)
  A call to reform, invoking past chancellors.

• "Diese bornierte, arrogante Art der selbstbeweihräucherung, der moralischen Unterlegenheit."
  (Eugen Freund, 50:54)
  On the arrogance of certain elites.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–04:30 — Skepticism on German economic outlook; introduction of core theme ("Make Economy Not So Great Again")
• 05:51–09:00 — Cultural distractions vs. economic dilemmas; critique of public debate
• 15:04–21:00 — Discussion of political failure and lack of leadership
• 38:01–41:05 — On media spin, cultural flashpoints, and left vs. right
• 43:01–44:49 — Direct challenge to cultural elites and historical comparison to past reformers
• 50:26–51:30 — Final critique of media and calls for more substance in German public life

Tone and Language

The conversation is direct, polemical, occasionally sarcastic, and deeply critical both of political leadership and media elites. The hosts blend economic analysis with cultural commentary, often referencing current events, public figures, and historical quotations to illustrate their points.

Conclusion

"Das Einzige, was wächst, ist der Staat" dives deep into the malaise affecting German economic and public life. Stelter, Poschardt, and Freund mix biting critique with appeals for new courage, leadership, and focus on the essentials: economic growth, honest leadership, and less cultural obfuscation. For listeners seeking a frank assessment of Germany’s prospects—and the roadblocks that must be overcome—this episode offers sharp insight, provocative commentary, and a call to action rooted in both economics and culture.