Germany has entered a recession, according to official data released on Thursday. The country's economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2023, following a 0.5% contraction in the fourth quarter of 2022.
A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. Germany's latest GDP figures mark the second consecutive quarter of contraction, meeting the technical definition of a recession.
The main factors behind Germany's recession are the war in Ukraine and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The war has caused energy prices to surge, which has led to higher inflation and a decline in consumer spending. The pandemic has also continued to disrupt supply chains, which has hampered economic activity.
The German government has taken a number of measures to try to mitigate the impact of the recession, including providing financial assistance to businesses and households. However, it is unclear whether these measures will be enough to prevent the economy from contracting further.
The recession is likely to have a significant impact on the German economy. The unemployment rate is expected to rise, and businesses are likely to cut back on investment and hiring. The recession is also likely to dampen economic growth in other European countries, as Germany is a major trading partner.
The German government is facing a difficult challenge in trying to navigate the country through the recession. The government needs to take steps to support the economy, but it also needs to avoid taking actions that could lead to higher inflation. The government's success in managing the recession will have a significant impact on the future of the German economy.
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