Why is Germany’s economy struggling – and can the government fix it?

As railway staff, lorry drivers, farmers and others threaten to strike, we examine the challenges the country faces

Railway staff, lorry drivers and farmers are among those threatening strike action across Germany from Monday in nationwide protests over grievances ranging from pay and conditions to cuts in agricultural subsidies and higher road tolls.

Long Europe's powerhouse, Germany is struggling with a potent mix of short-term and deeper structural problems that - along with a divided and seemingly ineffectual government - have prompted economists to talk of the sick man of Europe".