In a recent interview, Martin Herrenknecht, founder and CEO of Herrenknecht AG, expressed concerns about the declining work ethic in Germany, which he believes is damaging international perceptions of the country's reliability.

Herrenknecht noted that foreign partners are increasingly disappointed with Germany's ability to deliver machinery, indicating a significant loss of trust in German efficiency.

He contrasted the work culture in Germany with that of countries like China and India, where he perceives a stronger work ethic and greater economic dynamism.

Herrenknecht criticized the current societal trend towards prioritizing work-life balance, suggesting it has contributed to a 'softie society' that deviates from the traditional notion of 'value work'.

He attributed the current challenges to the policies of the previous Ampel coalition government, specifically criticizing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Social Minister Hubertus Heil for fostering a culture that discourages hard work.

Despite these challenges, Herrenknecht remains hopeful about the new government led by Friedrich Merz, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to revitalize the German economy.

Recent trends indicate an increasing foreign ownership of German companies, highlighting the competitive pressures faced by the country's manufacturing sector.

Herrenknecht AG, based in Schwanau, Baden-Württemberg, specializes in manufacturing large tunnel boring machines and has seen a rise in contracts from China in recent years.

The ongoing economic crisis has reignited discussions in Germany regarding average working hours, with some advocating for a four-day workweek while others, including politicians, are calling for increased working hours.

This debate has sparked criticism of Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, as political and business leaders emphasize the need for longer work hours to address economic challenges.