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Why Germany’s economic backbone is saying “auf wiedersehen”

Germany is facing a budget crisis amid rising energy costs, urgent calls for immigration reform and more pressing issues.
"Germany mostly lives off the fumes of its past reputation," said  Stephan Richter, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Globalist. Above, the skyline of Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub.
Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Energy is getting more expensive. More middle-income families are struggling to pay.

May 16, 2022
Between a quarter and a third of U.S. households are said to be energy insecure, and many don't qualify for aid.
Energy costs should take up about 6% of household income, energy experts say. But many low- and middle-income families are spending  multiple times that.
Photo illustration by George Frey/Getty Images