Germany struggles to spend $584 billion stimulus plan

5 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 3

A year after passage, much remains unused; the deficit stayed at 2.7% of GDP, while local leaders near Berlin and in Bavaria say promised funds have not arrived.
Officials and economists blame slow planning, tendering rules and debt aversion, with studies alleging 86% to 95% of funds were diverted to running costs rather than new investment.
The delays are holding back repairs to roads, schools and rail links, deepening concern over Germany's stagnant economy and weakening Europe's traditional growth engine amid security and demographic pressures.

With billions unspent and a history of failed projects, is bureaucracy now a greater threat to Germany's economy than recession?

As infrastructure crumbles and energy costs soar, is Germany's famed industrial engine permanently breaking down?