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German Prudence Under Fire

The economic engine of the eurozone has ground to a halt with almost zero growth. Why, and should we be blaming a German reluctance to spend as the new cause of Europe's woes?

The engine of the eurozone has been grinding to something of a halt in the last few months, threatening the rest of the continent with it. Why is that happening, what is in store, and could it all be the fault of the traditional German reluctance to spend? We seek answers from the very prudent shoppers of Leipzig, and from Holger Schmeiding, chief economist at the London-based Berenberg Bank. Also, we reflect on that most under-rated workplace quality, conscientiousness. Why do even employers fail to rate this most essential gift? Are you a worker or a shirker? Lucy Kellaway of the Financial Times offers her thoughts.

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18 minutes

Last on

Mon 22 Dec 2014 16:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 22 Dec 2014 08:32GMT
  • Mon 22 Dec 2014 16:05GMT

Podcast