Reinhold Worth, the founder and honorary president of the Worth Group, has warned that Germany may be at the end of its golden age that has lasted for 80 years, during which the country has experienced a period of peace and prosperity since the end of World War II. Worth believes that current social and economic changes threaten this stability, necessitating a reevaluation of national priorities.
He described the period from 1945 to 2026 as the golden years for Germany, where the country managed to build an effective democracy and achieve high levels of prosperity. However, he pointed out that changes in the mindset of Germans since the beginning of the new millennium have led to a decline in interest in hard work and professional development.
Event Details
In an opinion piece published in Euronews, Worth noted that Germans have become more focused on their family lives and the comfort of their children, which has resulted in a decreased desire to face the challenges of professional life. He mentioned that this trend could create a generation that prefers to live in comfort rather than confront the difficulties of work.
Worth also indicated that German companies are facing challenges in competition due to rising production costs, with labor costs in other European Union countries being up to 50% lower than those in Germany. This challenge threatens factory closures and job losses in the country.
Background & Context
The Worth Group was established in 1945, and since then it has grown to become a global leader in the trade of assembly and fastening materials. Worth, who joined the company as an intern in 1949, led the company to achieve annual sales exceeding €20.7 billion in 2025, with an average growth of 19.3% annually.
However, changes in the global market and new economic trends require Germany to reassess its strategies. Worth called for innovation in fields such as electronics, information technology, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to compete with major companies like Google and Apple.
Impact & Consequences
Worth's warnings serve as a wake-up call for politicians and decision-makers in Germany. If current trends continue, the country may face a severe economic crisis that could affect the standard of living and welfare. Additionally, the declining interest in work may lead to a shortage of skills necessary to support the economy in the future.
Worth emphasizes the importance of national unity, noting that the reunification of Germany was a historic moment that should be leveraged to enhance collective spirit. Amid increasing global challenges, Germans need to work together instead of being preoccupied with individual demands.
Regional Significance
Germany is one of the largest trading partners for many Arab countries, and any decline in the German economy could impact trade and investment relations between the two sides. Furthermore, innovations in technology could open new avenues for cooperation between Germany and Arab countries in areas such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
In conclusion, Worth's warning highlights the need to rethink values and priorities in Germany, which could have far-reaching effects on the global economy, including the Arab region.