In Germany, Merz's economic program comes under fire

Sander Tordoir, chief economist at the Centre for European Reform, welcomed the return of subsidies for electric and hybrid vehicles, which will include a "local content" requirement, expected to ease pressure on the beleaguered automotive industry. "Starting by stimulating consumption, in a situation where both domestic and external demand are very weak, is not a bad idea, even if it is not as effective in the long run as investing in infrastructure or education," he said.