GERMANY

German democratic institutions are given great weight. The electoral process is fair, media independence valued, and civil rights strongly protected by the constitution and courts.

Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, and other categories is prohibited, though center-right parties and business groups contested this law's implementation. Sinti and Roma do not receive equal treatment.

The principle of the rule of law is deeply rooted in German governance.

Echoes of reunification remain strong in Germany, with substantial disparity between east and west.

Unemployment remains much higher in the former East. Nationally, the labor market remains relatively inflexible.

Taxes are high, and businesses face substantial regulation and red tape. However, investment remains strong.

Fiscal deficits early in the decade have been brought into balance.

Persistent unemployment, particularly in the former East, has sparked concerns about a long-term German underclass.

Generous social expenditures have failed to limit socioeconomic disparity. Health care is universally available, but expensive.

Family support is extensive, but insufficient child care infrastructure helps perpetuate traditional family roles.

Recent reforms have stabilized the pension system.

Germany participates in NATO, EU and UN actions, but public support for military engagement is low.

Crime is relatively low, but a rise in right-wing extremism, and several attempted terrorist actions, have led to calls for broader police powers.

Integration policy was neglected until relatively recently. Immigrant communities show high unemployment and low educational achievements.

Environmental policy is given high policy domestically and as a part of foreign policy, although industry groups complain about costs.

Research has suffered in recent years, hampered by low funding and regulatory barriers. A new funding program is aimed at increasing innovation.

Poor student test scores have prompted serious debate over school reform.

Centralized strategic planning is difficult in Germany, hampered by coalition governments, ministerial autonomy, and the federal-state divide.

RIAs focus on simplifying legislation, rather than promoting competitiveness.

Links between social groups and political parties have weakened, but consultation still takes place.

Cabinet members' independence undermines the consistency of communication.

With only 85 percent of government-sponsored bills adopted during this period of review, Germany's legislative efficiency was not particularly high.

The second chamber, which does not always participate fully in the process of passage, only rarely blocks bills altogether. The constitutional court rarely overturns legislation.

The Federal Chancellery is not well equipped to monitor line ministries, and ministerial compliance is poor.

As the biggest EU member state, Germany takes part in all EU reform initiatives with international effects.

It has been very successful in setting standards and winning support for German models and governing practices.

However, its position as a role model has declined as its own domestic reform efforts have lagged.

A recent reform of the federal system sought to improve institutional fitness and the capacity to cope with European policies and politics.

However, little discussion has focused on to improve the administration’s strategic capacity in institutional terms.

German citizens' policy understanding varies substantially by social status and age, but is average compared to other European nations.

Legislative committees have substantial executive oversight power.

Major interest groups often offer reasonable, and correspondingly influential reform proposals.