Has Germany's vaunted work ethic run its course?

A Greenpeace activist protesting in front of the headquarters of German carmaker Volkswagen in Wolfsburg last month. The auto behemoth has been hit by a scandal involving fraudulent emissions tests of its diesel vehicles. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
A Greenpeace activist protesting in front of the headquarters of German carmaker Volkswagen in Wolfsburg last month. The auto behemoth has been hit by a scandal involving fraudulent emissions tests of its diesel vehicles. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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German captains of industry rarely receive a dressing down in public at home.

But at a business reception last week, Mr Wolfgang Schauble, long-time minister of finance and currently president of Parliament, accused German bosses of having become complacent and lazy. He also complained about their lack of social engagement and said they had lost their moral compass.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 07, 2019, with the headline Has Germany's vaunted work ethic run its course?. Subscribe