Report
Patrick Artus

Is "Rhineland capitalism" a good model?

Capitalism as practised in Germany, called "Rhineland capitalism", is often held up as an example. This type of capitalism allegedly has the following virtues: Relations between employers and unions are characterised by a search for compromise and not by conflicts; this applies to strategic decisions in companies thanks to co-determination ; Relations between banks and companies are stable, long-term partnership that enable companies to avoid the short-termism of financial markets and shareholders and to have a long-term horizon ; The government does not intervene in companies’ decisions, but provides a stable and positive environment (tax, social, regulatory, competitive, monetary) for the economy, with a high level of welfare protection ( this is ordoliberalism , social market economy). Are there really reason s to replicate "Rhineland capitalism"? Income distribution between wages and profits is markedly distorted, and poverty has increased significantly in Germany, which casts doubt on the claim that there are no conflicts and no harshness in social relations; Germany has remained specialised in old industry (capital goods, cars) and has not expanded in the industries of the future, which shows that co-determination, the lack of industrial policy and long-term relations between companies and banks can be sclerotic ; The German government’s protective role has declined markedly, since it has embarked on tax and social competition with the other European countries, since the generosity of social welfare is low
Provider
Natixis
Natixis

Based across the world’s leading financial centers, Natixis CIB Research offers an integrated view of the markets. The team provides support to inform Natixis clients’ investment and hedging decisions across all asset classes.

 

Analysts
Patrick Artus

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