Following 35 years of German reunification, a leading Düsseldorf-based economist is highlighting the emerging strengths of eastern Germany relative to the west.
Jens Südekum, a prominent economic advisor, notes that while the development of infrastructure in eastern regions represented a significant undertaking, it has ultimately yielded considerable benefits. He points to advantages such as the availability of developed land and a favorable energy landscape as key factors attracting investment.
Südekum’s assessment appears to be supported by recent economic data, with Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern consistently ranking highly in comparisons of state-level economic growth within Germany.
However, the economist also acknowledges areas for improvement. He suggests that eastern Germany currently lacks cities capable of competing directly with economic powerhouses like Munich or Hamburg. Furthermore, Südekum indicates that the transition of the former East German economy may have benefited from a more carefully managed approach. He serves as a personal advisor to Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.