The traffic light coalition has only been in government for a few months and there is now a shortage of everything. Raw materials, microchips, sunflower oil, flour and labour are becoming scarce. Prices for food, energy and everything else needed to live are rising day by day to new record levels. Inflation is at 8 percent. Now the population is also being called upon to save energy, something previously known only from communist states. This is not only due to the war in Ukraine and the associated boycott of Russia. It is also due to a completely deluded climate protection and energy policy that heralds the end of our prosperity.
Crisis was already looming before the war in Ukraine
Apart from the war in Ukraine, the cause of the current crisis, according to our politicians, lies in the aftermath of the corona pandemic. Both events, of course, have a corresponding impact on the current situation, but the crisis has been looming for a long time. With the shutdown of the last nuclear and coal-fired power plants, the ever stricter regulations for our agriculture, and the CO₂ levy on energy sources, the government’s decisions on climate protection and energy supply are also responsible.
The Bertelsmann Foundation’s new Megatrend Report entitled “The Return of Scarcity” speaks of a turning point in time. The study states that “various drivers are now ensuring that many goods and services are no longer available in the desired quantity and at the desired time – despite prices that have risen drastically in some cases”.
The end of our prosperity – supply shortages will become even more drastic
The authors of the study assume that the current situation will worsen drastically, especially in Germany and Europe. According to the authors, the coming decades will be characterised by scarcity and high prices. This is also due to political intervention in the international market. Geopolitical tensions have led to protectionism and even boycotts of entire countries. In addition, there are excessive subsidies for entire industries and products.
Political goals not achieved despite boycott
Global economic expert Gabriel Felbermayr criticises that politicians are increasingly linking trade policy with climate policy or human rights policy. There is a danger that the associated decisions will ultimately reduce our prosperity noticeably. In addition, no progress has actually been made on political goals such as climate protection or human rights. However, the negative consequences of these policies are now being massively felt by the citizens.