In a recent interview with the news magazine "Spiegel," Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius expressed concern about the economic trajectory of Germany, stating that it has been moving in the wrong direction for the past decade and a half. He pointed out that the failure to address economic issues could lead to the rise of right-wing populists who provide no viable solutions. Källenius underscores the urgency of the situation, noting that complacency regarding national performance can have detrimental consequences.

Källenius attributed part of the economic failures to a perceived lack of willingness among Germans to enhance their productivity. To illustrate his point, he compared the situation to a football team that believes it has trained enough while competitors are training twice as hard, cautioning that such an attitude will not lead to victory on the world stage. This analogy emphasizes the need for a significant increase in effort and a cultural shift towards greater work commitment and productivity.

Moreover, he criticized the high labor costs in Germany as one of the primary challenges facing the country's economy. Källenius's warnings raise important questions about the future of Germany’s economic landscape and the potential social implications of failing to adapt to competitive pressures, particularly as populist movements gain traction in response to economic discontent.