Ulrike Malmendier, the economist, has urged a dialogue between German federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) and her predecessor Robert Habeck (Greens). Speaking to “Stern” and NTV, she said, “I would wish that Ms. Reiche and Mr. Habeck would finally talk”. Both politicians have faced parallel challenges. Malmendier noted that the crises confronting them share striking similarities: rising energy costs, uncertainty, and economic adjustment processes.
According to her, the two rarely learn from one another. “Why doesn’t the exchange happen more intensively?” she asked. “In situations like these, it would be wise to share experiences, even across party lines” she added. Germany cannot afford to ignore this knowledge.
Malmendier’s term on the Advisory Council for the Assessment of the Macro‑Economic Development, where she served as a senior expert, has now ended. The council has appointed Austrian economist Gabriel Felbermayr in her place. Her non‑renewal sparked criticism, and the decision surprised even members of the council itself.
