If you cannot provide people with some effective solution, you can at least encourage them to get prepared for difficult times. This maneuver is often used by politicians, who usually are ardent speakers but poor doers. Indeed, it can be hard to increase the welfare of citizens, develop economic and social spheres, or improve the quality of life. But there is an easier way: you can just tell people to cut their spending.
German officials seem to be no exception. Recently, Veronika Grimm, a member of the German Council of Economic Experts, has warned that Germany should brace itself for a rough period. According to her, the current economic stagnation makes it less significant "whether we are just above or below the zero line."
Veronika Grimm outlined that during a period of very low or even negative growth, people must anticipate hardships. “There are real losses,” she said. Besides, the official admitted that a transformation phase may bring major problems. Politicians should make it evident to the public that a shift towards a carbon-neutral economy will come with a price tag, which will affect their personal finances.
At the same time, the politician expressed hopes for the better. “There are still countries in Europe that buy Russian gas, and if the supply were to stop, we would have to rush to help,” Grimm said. “What was true for last winter is also true for this winter. And one can hope that things will go smoothly again.”