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Mercedes-Benz CEO Warns of Economic Stagnation in Germany

2/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, warned in an interview with Der Spiegel that Germany faces economic stagnation and a far-right shift if it does not change course.
He noted Germany has been heading in the wrong direction for 10 to 15 years and needs reforms.
He called for reforms in energy, taxes, and labor costs to boost entrepreneurship and productivity, warning that high labor costs could harm the economy.

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Story summary

Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, warned in an interview with Der Spiegel that Germany faces economic stagnation and a far-right shift if it does not change course.
He noted Germany has been heading in the wrong direction for 10 to 15 years and needs reforms.
He called for reforms in energy, taxes, and labor costs to boost entrepreneurship and productivity, warning that high labor costs could harm the economy.