Reforms
“Agenda 2010 contains sweeping structural reforms. These reforms will once again make Germany a leader in economic prosperity and employment. They will ensure fairness for each generation and strengthen the foundations of our commonwealth.”
Gerhard Schröder, speech at the Bundestag, 14 March 2003
The chancellorship of Gerhard Schröder was an era of far-reaching social and economic reforms. The core element of Schröder’s reform policy was Agenda 2010. It helped to increase the competitiveness of the German economy and safeguard Germany’s industrial base while creating millions of new jobs. At the same time, the Schröder administration kicked off a green revolution by committing itself to the elimination of nuclear power and the expansion of renewable energy. In the area of social policy, the government steered a progressive course, introducing measures for the active integration of minorities, for equal rights for gays and lesbians, and for a forward-thinking family policy.
Labor Market Reforms
The reforms to the labor market and unemployment benefits originated in proposals submitted by an
Tax System Reforms
During the chancellorship of Gerhard Schröder tax policy underwent two basic kinds of reforms. On
Social Insurance Reforms
A series of gradual reforms to the pension and health insurance systems were designed to
Phasing out nuclear energy
In 2000 Gerhard Schröder reached a consensus with German power utilities to phase out nuclear
Social Policy Reforms
The social policies of the Schröder administration were guided by a spirit of tolerance. A
Agenda 2010
On 14 March 2003, at a speech before the Bundestag, Gerhard Schröder unveiled Agenda 2010,