I was thinking along the lines of the Helmut Kohl period. Been to Germany many times during the 80s and early 90s. While they had their share of slackers, the general impression I always got was that they were serious, hardworking...and aggressive. Similar to the Swiss. They were the dominent force in Europe. Maybe Gerhard Schroder began their decline. BTW, I’m not a big fan on Merkel.
I’m not commenting on the people, who have some really good qualities, but who are also unfortunately susceptible to being manipulated by their elite politicians who have a far different agenda.
Kohl’s attitude of “the future … belong(ing) to the Germans … when we build the house of Europe” should have rung alarm bells. Thatcher spoke out against that.