Demokratie ohne Wachstum und Kultur des Wandels

Democracy in Germany is being challenged like never before in history. Criticism and radicalisation are growing, while acceptance and support are dwindling. There are many reasons for this – not least economic ones. “Growth weakness” is turning into a problem of fiscal sustainability. Economic and political systems are endangered by overburdening. Ways out of this danger can only be found if significant changes can be made in three areas: worst-case scenarios must be included; analysis must go beyond traditional supply-side policies and focus more on questions of distribution and justice; the search horizon for solutions must be expanded in the direction of socio-cultural potentials, with a shift in focus from technical to social innovation. The transformation to sustainable development must be understood as a cultural transformation; this is the only way it will succeed.