Economist Marcel Fratzscher predicts Germany's growth engine will never restart due to labor shortages and demographic decline, suggesting tax increases and cuts to certain tax breaks. This grim outlook contrasts with France's pragmatic approach to its declining birthrate, exemplified by President Macron's "demographic rearmament" strategy, which includes sending letters to young adults encouraging procreation and exploring options like egg freezing. Germany's birthrate lags behind France, with migration previously mitigating population loss. The article criticizes the current German discourse, deeming it incapable of discussing such sensitive topics without invoking problematic associations. Meanwhile, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, facing declining poll numbers, delivered a speech at the party congress emphasizing a desire for national pride and economic prosperity, but offered little concrete direction beyond inspirational rhetoric and criticism of the Green party's trade policies.