The first German companies have begun throwing in the towel and consumption is collapsing in response to the fallout from exploding energy prices. The economy is sliding almost uncontrolled into a crisis that could permanently weaken the country.
From heavy industry to healthcare to household maintenance, the German economy is facing a shortage of workers. Immigration reform may be on the table to attract more foreign labor.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says a decision to fire up coal and oil power plants again to cushion the impact of energy shortages because of Russia's war in Ukraine is only temporary.