The Hartz Myth: a Closer Look at Germany’s Labour Market Reforms

Germany’s labour market and welfare reforms of the early 2000s have gained an outsized importance over time. For some, these reforms put an end to Germany’s social market economy and pushed millions into unsecure, low wage jobs. For others, notably many international observers, these ‘Hartz reforms’ are one if not the main reason why Germany – formerly known as the ‘sick man of Europe’ – is now Europe’s export powerhouse and strongest economy.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Big Reform with Little Effect? Labour Market and Employment Policy in Germany http://www.europeansources.info/record/big-reform-with-little-effect-labour-market-and-employment-policy-in-germany/

ESO: Background Information: The roots of the German miracle http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-roots-of-the-german-miracle/

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